The Cabinet of Ministers yesterday approved the operation of currency exchange counters by five firms at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake.

Accordingly, Sampath Bank, People’s Bank, Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Thomas Cook Lanka and Bank of Ceylon have been awarded the contracts, which will be valid for three years.

The exchange counters are located in the area designated for Customs purposes at the arrivals section of the BIA.

The companies were selected through a limited competitive bidding process conducted by Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited, following the Cabinet decision taken on January 8, 2024.

Cabinet approval was granted following a proposal presented by the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Nimal Siripala De Silva based on the recommendation of a Technical Evaluation Committee and a Standing Procurement Committee appointed by the Cabinet of Ministers earlier.