Duty free shops sans permits closed

20 January 2015 12:03 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 10 Bookmark

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Aviation Project Minister Faizer Mustapha today suspended operations of all duty free shops operating without permits and outside tender procedure at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) and instructed officials to call for fresh tenders.

Aviation Ministry spokesman said many of the duty free shops were operating with political patronage and did not pay the relevant fees to the BIA management. He said tenders for duty free shops had not been called since 2001.(Sadun A. Jayasekara)

Comments - 10

Stunned Citizen Tuesday, 20 January 2015 06:27 PM

Dear Mr. Minister,Our duty free is a disgrace, especially with all the touts that literally badger tourists and returnees on arrival after immigration. In terms of Buying Electronics, my humble request is to move this to another part of the airport. As its an eyesore for those who enter. We are probably the only air port in the world, that has Electronic White Goods, for sale in the Duty Free. Also our second request is ensure that the Taxi Service is regulated rather than having multiple operators charging different rates.

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Malini Tuesday, 20 January 2015 07:43 PM

I agree that the duty free shops are disgraceful, especially when you see other international airports. There are aimless people hanging around, and it is intimidating at times. It really looks like chaos sometimes.You are also right about the taxi service. Many countries have a flat rate to the city, or some regulated system, where poor visitors do not get ripped off.Taxis also must line up at a taxi stand and take their turn picking up passengers, in an orderly manner. So much improvement is needed at the BIA.

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sri Tuesday, 20 January 2015 07:49 PM

Duty free shops that sell appliances and electronic equipment is not really necessity inside the airport. You could purchase the same merchandise for better price outside air port from a regular merchant.

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Horri Jimonis Tuesday, 20 January 2015 09:49 PM

Very good move. Your first step sounds well Sir.

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willows Wednesday, 21 January 2015 08:33 AM

Well done Sir,

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Kasun Senarathna Wednesday, 21 January 2015 08:46 AM

Specially second operator of Liquor shop given on political interest No Tender monthly transfer of funds to a Swiss account from Indian Bank Cochin Branch

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jeewan Wednesday, 21 January 2015 12:32 PM

Another ruse to bring his close associates to open shops.

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lakshmanu Wednesday, 21 January 2015 02:55 PM

My Heavens! How come they operate without permits in such a sacred precincts? Punish all responsible people!

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srilankan Wednesday, 21 January 2015 04:07 PM

In future you can issue permits to your close people. This is the nature of Sri Lanka

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Kamal Wednesday, 21 January 2015 04:42 PM

The new product lines to be implemented asap. BE SRI LANKAN BUY SRI LANKAN tag line.All others are under offer...BUY 1 GET 2 FREE!

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