President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has directed officials to accelerate ongoing projects to expand passenger-handling capacity and improve facilities at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake, while calling for the development of domestic airports to meet future aviation demand.
The directive was issued during a discussion on the 2027 Budget proposals for the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation, held at the Presidential Secretariat on 27 October 2026.
During the meeting, the President reviewed the progress of ongoing development projects at BIA and stressed the importance of upgrading supporting infrastructure, including surrounding road networks, to accommodate growing passenger traffic.
Improving passenger convenience and enhancing facilities at both the country’s main international gateway and regional airports were also highlighted as key priorities.
The meeting was attended by Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation and Minister of Energy Anura Karunathilaka, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janith Ruwan Kodituwakku, senior presidential and ministry officials, Treasury representatives, and other relevant officials.
The proposed developments form part of broader efforts to strengthen Sri Lanka’s aviation infrastructure and prepare the country’s airports for future travel demand.
