Time to fix our international airport

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, continues to promote itself as an upscale tourist destination while its main airport tells a different story

Sri Lanka has big plans when it comes to tourism. We often hear about attracting millions of visitors each year and becoming a top destination in the region. But there is one simple question we must ask ourselves. Are we truly ready to welcome the world?

The answer, unfortunately, begins at the Bandaranaike International Airport.

For years, successive governments have spoken about expanding and upgrading the airport. There have been announcements, proposals and promises. Yet, very little has actually changed. The airport we have today still feels far behind what a country like Sri Lanka should offer, especially if we are serious about increasing tourist arrivals to three or four million a year.

An airport is not just a place where people arrive and leave. It is the first experience a visitor has of a country. After a long flight, what a traveller sees and feels in those first few moments matters. It shapes their opinion. It sets the tone for their entire stay.

Right now, that first impression is not always a good one.

Passengers often have to deal with long queues at immigration. There are times when there are not enough staff to handle the crowds. The building itself can feel outdated and tired. Even basic maintenance does not always seem consistent. These may seem like small issues, but together they create frustration and disappointment.

There is also the issue of duty-free shopping. In many countries, duty-free areas are lively, well-designed and offer a mix of international and local products. They are a part of the travel experience. In Sri Lanka, this area still has a lot of room for improvement. It does not reflect the rich identity of our country or the high-end image we are trying to promote.

When we compare ourselves to other countries in the region, the gap becomes even clearer. Airports in Dubai, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand are modern, efficient and welcoming. They are clean, well-organised and designed with passengers in mind. They offer comfort, convenience and even a sense of excitement.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, continues to promote itself as an upscale tourist destination while its main airport tells a different story. This is where the problem lies. We cannot talk about luxury tourism, boutique hotels and premium experiences while ignoring the very first point of contact for visitors. It simply does not match.

Improving the airport is not just about appearance. It is also about efficiency and growth. A better airport can handle more passengers smoothly. It can create jobs. It can increase revenue. It can even attract more airlines and improve connectivity.

Most importantly, it shows that the country is serious. What is needed now is action, not more talk. The airport must be expanded to handle higher passenger numbers. Facilities must be upgraded. Staffing must be improved so that passengers are not left waiting for long periods. Regular maintenance must become a priority, not an afterthought.

There are many ways to make this happen. The government can work with private investors. It can bring in international expertise. It can set clear timelines and ensure that projects are completed without unnecessary delays. But above all, there must be commitment.

We have spoken about upgrading the Bandaranaike International Airport for far too long. It is time to actually do it.

Sri Lanka is at an important stage as it looks to rebuild its economy. Tourism is a key part of that plan. But tourism cannot succeed if the basics are not in place.

The airport is our front door to the world. It is where every journey begins and ends. If that experience is poor, it stays in the mind of the traveller no matter how beautiful the rest of the country may be. In simple terms, the first impression matters. And in many cases, it becomes the lasting impression.

If Sri Lanka truly wants to be seen as a world-class destination, then we must start by fixing what the world sees first.

The time to act is now.