Nimal Siripala wants eGate fast-tracked at BIA

Monday, 16 January 2023 03:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva

has instructed officials to expedite the procurement process for establishing electronic gate facilities similar to other modern and developed airports at international destinations at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

At a special discussion with officials of the Airport and Aviation Sri Lanka Ltd., the Minister gave instructions to establish two such electronic gates at the Arrivals Terminal and two at the Departures Terminal under Phase I of the project.

“Although the project had been initiated in 2017 it had not been implemented due to various reasons. Therefore, I am instructing officials to expedite obtaining required approvals according to relevant procurement processes and reinstate the project immediately, with less expenditure and in a more advantageous manner to the country,” the Minister said.

It was also revealed at the discussions that the financial provisions for the project will be allocated by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and that the process will take around one year.

The Minister emphasised for implementations through the financial aid from the IOM and until such time to establish as an urgent requirement utilising funds from the Airport and Aviation (Sri Lanka) Ltd. according to accepted tender procedures.

“I urge the assistance of the IOM for modernisation projects of the port sector as well as a joint committee to be appointed for this purpose. Under that committee, priority should be extended to obtain the scan machine that should be available very soon at the Kankesanthurai (KKS) Port. The technical assistance of the IOM should also be obtained for performing operations and other activities of the port with enhanced productivity,” the Minister emphasised.

The requirement for two scan machines for security scanning of metal and other material for the passenger ferry service between KKS and India to be launched in the near future was emphasised at the discussion and instructions were extended to obtain them without delay.

Secretary to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation K.D.S. Ruwanchandra, IOM’s National Program Officer Neshan Gunasekara, Airport and Aviation (Sri Lanka) Chairman (Retired Major Gen.) G.A. Chandrasiri, Sri Lanka Ports Authority Vice Chairman Gayan Algewattege, Actg. Additional Managing Director (Administration and Operations) Prabath Jayantha and higher officials of relevant institutions were also present at the discussions.