BIA Expansion: Political Tug-of-War Over Roof Design

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) discovered that the roof design for the new passenger terminal at Katunayake Airport has been subject to multiple changes with each successive government. 

The COPE's findings were disclosed during a recent meeting with the Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited.

The controversy centers around proposals from different administrations to alter the roof design to reflect their political symbols. 

One government proposed a design resembling the lotus flower, while another suggested a design inspired by the araliya leaf.

COPE summoned officials from the Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited to discuss the ongoing expansion project aimed at increasing the airport's passenger capacity.

Dr. Nishantha Samarawickrama, Chairman of the COPE Committee, highlighted the desire to increase the passenger capacity of Bandaranaike International Airport. 

Cabinet approval was granted in 2007 to expand the capacity from 6 million to 12 million passengers.

In 2013, discussions were held to further increase the capacity to 15 million passengers. 

During the first four years, 344.5 million rupees were paid to a consulting firm for planning and design.

Hasitha Karunaratne, Head of Projects at Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited, explained that to apply for the JICA loan in 2012, the estimate and design needed to be prepared a year in advance. 

The initial design was approved by the Cabinet, and the loan was obtained. However, the project was halted midway.

Despite the decision to increase the capacity to 15 million, the same consulting firm continues to provide advisory services. 

This decision has raised questions about the selection process and the efficiency of the project management.

W.P.C. Wickramaratne, Auditor General, revealed that the former Minister of Ports and Aviation signed the document recommending the selection of this consulting firm.

If a competitive bidding process was considered in 2009, the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) funds could have been utilized more efficiently.

Dr. Nishantha Samarawickrama pointed out that the consulting services were deliberately awarded to this firm. 

In 2014, a new agreement was signed, extending the consulting services for 47 months at a cost of 1.36 billion Japanese yen, equivalent to 519 million Sri Lankan rupees. The previous expenditure of 344.5 million rupees over four years seems to have been wasted.

MP Asitha Niroshan Egodawithana, a member of COPE, questioned why the old firm was selected again in such a hurry. 

Hasitha Karunaratne, Head of Projects at Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited responded that there were changes to the roof design.

Dr. Nishantha Samarawickrama emphasized that due to the lack of initial planning, the previous expenditure of 344.5 million rupees has been wasted.

MP Asitha Niroshan Egodawithana noted that the roof design changes reflect the political preferences of different administrations.

Initially, it was the lotus flower, then it changed to the araliya leaf. Public funds and loans have been used to satisfy political whims.

The project is still incomplete as of 2025.