President Reviews Progress of Ports and Civil Aviation Ministry
18-Jul-2026.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials to develop an efficient mechanism, in coordination with the Sri Lanka Air Force, for handling civilian passenger operations at airports and to undertake a joint review of the requirements of every airport.
The directive was issued during a special meeting held at the Presidential Secretariat to review the progress of programmes implemented under the 2026 Budget and discuss the 2027 Budget proposals for the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation.
The President directed the Ministry and the Sri Lanka Air Force to jointly prepare a comprehensive assessment report covering the operational needs of all airports.
Officials informed the meeting that the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport is currently incurring losses of between Rs.6 million and Rs.7 million a day, amounting to nearly Rs.4 billion annually. Alternative proposals to reverse the losses were presented to the President. It was stated that investment proposals for the airport have already been invited and that the related work is expected to be completed by 2027.
The meeting was also informed that work has commenced to modernise the passenger terminal and upgrade facilities at the Jaffna International Airport.
A detailed review was conducted on the performance of institutions functioning under the Ministry, including the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd., Ceylon Shipping Corporation, SriLankan Airlines, SriLankan Catering, the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, the Merchant Shipping Secretariat, Sri Lanka Ports Management and Consultancy Services Ltd., and Jaya Container Terminals Ltd.
The President also reviewed the progress of major port development projects financed by the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the Government of India, including the Sri Lanka Ports Development Project and the rehabilitation of the Kankesanthurai Port.
Discussions covered the proposed Logistics Park at the Port of Colombo, the extension of the Southern Port breakwater, the second phase of the Western Container Terminal, and the digitalisation of port operations to enhance efficiency.
Officials briefed the President on the long-term development plan for Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake, aimed at increasing its annual passenger handling capacity to 24.2 million by 2055. Under the second phase of the project, scheduled for completion in 2027, arrival and departure terminals will be expanded, a new terminal will be established, and depot expansion works completed.
The President also stressed the need to streamline passenger transport services connected to Bandaranaike International Airport and noted that efforts are under way, in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Economy, to digitise all airport services.
He further emphasised that State-owned institutions should utilise their financial strength to fund future development projects independently and maximise their contributions to the Treasury without placing an additional burden on taxpayers.
