JICA has approved the construction of a second terminal at Katunayake International Airport
Hon. Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation – Nimal Siripala de Silva mentioned that JICA has agreed to provide a concessional loan to restart the construction of the second terminal at Katunayake International Airport. The pause in this project was due to the recent economic downturn. The Minister shared this update during a special meeting with JICA representatives on the 10th.
Minister de Silva pointed out that the country’s improved economic situation after the debt restructuring by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has encouraged JICA to reinstate the concessional loan program, with the Japanese government giving priority to these initiatives.
“As a result,” the Minister said, “JICA has committed to providing Rs. 170 billion for the upcoming construction activities under the relief loan program.”
The Minister also underlined that the new terminal, equipped with modern technology and amenities, will significantly boost the number of air passengers from the current 6 million per year to 16 million.
JICA representatives assured the Minister that the necessary loan agreements would be signed promptly, and a call for construction bids would be issued by September this year.
The meeting was also attended by the Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation – Mr. K.D.S. Ruwanchandra; Chief Representative Yamada Tetsuya from JICA; Chairman of Airports and Aviation Services Ltd., Mr. Atula Galkatiya; and Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority – Gen. Sagara Kotakadeniya.
Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva announced that JICA will resume the construction of the second terminal at Katunayake International Airport with a concessional loan scheme. The project was previously halted due to economic recession, but with renewed economic stability in the country, JICA has agreed to provide Rs. 170 billion for the construction. The new terminal will accommodate modern technology and facilities, increasing the number of air passengers from 6 million to 16 million annually. JICA representatives assured the Minister that loan agreements would be signed promptly, and construction bids will be called for by September. The discussion also included other key officials from relevant institutions.
