Sri Lanka hopeful of resuming work on BIA expansion

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama  

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has extended its  support to restore the economy of Sri Lanka and Airport and  Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited (AASL) can resume the Terminal 02  project with the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) with the  assistance of JICA and the Government of Japan, Ports, Shipping and  Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said. 
 
While addressing the 40th Anniversary celebration of AASL  yesterday, the Minister said, due to the economic crisis of the country,  JICA suspended its loan extended to build the Terminal 02 project of  the BIA which is a much needy and timely development.  

At the moment, AASL is managing five international airports  in the country namely BIA, Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport  (MRIA), Colombo International Airport Ratmalana, Palali, and Batticaloa  contributing to a large extent to the national economy.  

The AASL has significantly expanded its operations in Sri  Lanka and employs nearly 4,000 employees in all airports, contributing to  the socio-economic development of the country and also providing  employment opportunities for youth.  

When Sri Lanka was challenged by the Global pandemic, the  national airports served the nation continuously to facilitate all  repatriation and cargo movements. Sri Lanka was facing its worst  foreign exchange crisis that significantly affected the island nation’s  earnings from tourism and remittances.  
 But the AASL anchored to overcome the challenges and  contributed to the national treasury towards regaining economic  stability.  

Terminal 02 projects will enhance the quality and integrity of AASL as a service provider.  
AASL is working hard to make Mattala, Palali, and Ratmalana Airport viable business ventures through innovative interventions.