President instructs to expedite work of new BIA terminal

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa made a surprise visit to the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake yesterday and instructed to expedite the construction work of the new passenger terminal and to vest it with the public immediately.

The president pointed out that passengers could be given an effective and a more efficient service by having two completely separate terminals for arrival and departure.

He instructed the airport officials to make sure that no passenger is inconvenienced when leaving or arriving in the country or subject to any delays.

He also said, the airport security measures should not cause any hindrance to the passengers.

President Rajapaksa inspected the procedure of how passengers go through the departure and arrival terminals, how passengers embark and disembark the planes and the time spent for each process.

The president instructed the Emigration and Immigration Director-General to take measures to minimize any delays by deploying more emigration and emigration department officials at the BIA.

He instructed the Chairman, Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited, G. A. Chandrasiri to set up a separate terminal for taxies.

President Rajapaksa engaged in cordial conversation with the passengers and appreciated the BIA staff for rendering an effective service. (Lahiru Pothmulla)