Japan Greenlights Long-Awaited BIA Terminal 2 Project

COLOMBO (News 1st); Japan has agreed to expedite the long-delayed construction of the second passenger terminal at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

Confirming the development, a delegation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) recently met with Minister of Ports, Civil Aviation and Energy Anura Karunathilaka. 

Accordingly, a decision has been taken to commence construction work on the second passenger terminal before November this year.

The project, which had previously been launched but later stalled, is set to resume following successful discussions between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Japanese Government. As a result of those negotiations, Japan agreed to restart its support for the major infrastructure initiative.

Following the presidential-level discussions, several rounds of talks were held between the Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, the Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, and senior JICA officials to finalise arrangements for the project's revival.

Authorities further noted that all processes related to securing the additional loan facilities required for the project have now been completed, clearing the way for construction activities to begin as planned.