Japan has agreed to restart work on the long-stalled second passenger terminal at Bandaranaike International Airport, with construction expected to commence before the end of the year following presidential-level negotiations.
Japan has committed to reviving the second passenger terminal project at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), marking a breakthrough in efforts to expand the country's aviation infrastructure. According to NewsFirst, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) recently met with Minister of Ports, Civil Aviation and Energy Anura Karunathilaka to confirm the accelerated timeline, with construction work anticipated to begin before November this year.
The terminal project had stalled after an initial launch but is now set to move forward following negotiations between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Japan's government. These discussions proved instrumental in securing renewed Japanese support for what is considered a major infrastructure initiative for Sri Lanka's aviation sector.
Following the presidential engagement, multiple rounds of consultation took place between the Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Japan's ambassador to Sri Lanka, and JICA officials to finalize the arrangements needed to restart the project. Authorities stated that all loan-related processes have been completed, removing administrative obstacles that previously hindered construction activities.
The project's resumption is expected to enhance passenger handling capacity at the country's primary international airport and support the broader development of Sri Lanka's transportation infrastructure.
