COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka is moving ahead with an ambitious long-term programme to expand the passenger handling capacity and operational efficiency of Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake, with authorities targeting an annual passenger capacity of 24.2 million by 2055.The development plan was discussed during a special meeting chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday, where the progress of projects implemented under the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation during 2026 and budget proposals for 2027 were reviewed.The discussion covered the performance and future plans of several institutions operating under the Ministry, including the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited, Ceylon Shipping Corporation, SriLankan Airlines, SriLankan Catering, the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, the Merchant Shipping Secretariat, Sri Lanka Port Management and Consultancy Services (Pvt) Ltd, and Jaya Container Terminals Limited.Officials briefed the President on the progress of key development initiatives, including the Sri Lanka Ports Development Programme being implemented with assistance from the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the Government of India, as well as the reconstruction of Kankesanthurai Harbour.The meeting also focused on plans for the Colombo Port Logistics Park, the extension of the South Port breakwater, the implementation of the second phase of the West Container Terminal, and efforts to improve efficiency through the digitalisation of port operations.A major focus of the discussion was the long-term expansion strategy for Bandaranaike International Airport, which is expected to be completed within three years and designed to meet aviation demands over the next three decades. Officials outlined plans to significantly enhance the airport's passenger capacity and operational performance.Under the second phase of the Bandaranaike International Airport Development Project, authorities aim to complete the expansion of existing arrival and departure terminals, construct a new terminal building and carry out depot expansion works by 2027.President Dissanayake also stressed the importance of improving and streamlining passenger transportation services surrounding the airport to ensure greater convenience and operational efficiency.The meeting further revealed that efforts are underway, in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Affairs, to fully digitalise airport services, a move expected to enhance passenger experience and improve overall service delivery.Attention was also directed towards the development of domestic airports, including Hingurakgoda. The President instructed officials to establish a more efficient mechanism for civil passenger operations through closer coordination with the Sri Lanka Air Force. He further directed the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation and the Air Force to conduct a joint review of the requirements of each airport and prepare a comprehensive assessment report.Meanwhile, officials disclosed that Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport is currently incurring losses of between Rs. 6 million and Rs. 7 million daily, amounting to approximately Rs. 4 billion annually. Several alternative proposals aimed at addressing the financial challenges were presented to the President.It was also revealed that investment proposals for Mattala Airport have already been invited and that related processes are expected to be completed by 2027.Additionally, authorities informed the meeting that work has commenced to modernise the passenger terminal at Jaffna International Airport and upgrade its facilities to improve services and capacity.President Dissanayake emphasized that state institutions should maximise the use of their own financial strength and effectively manage funding requirements for future development projects, while ensuring that such initiatives do not place an additional burden on taxpayers. He stressed that these institutions must contribute as much as possible to the State Treasury while pursuing sustainable growth and infrastructure development.
