In-a-flurry Nimal Siripala flags off work on BIA runway
Airport and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva was firing shots at almost everyone (in sight) when delivering his speech at Friday’s ceremony held to commence construction work on the resurfacing of the runway at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).
The minister said that the construction of the runway was an important work that would be of national service for future generations, as he flagged off the trucks awaiting to proceed to the site amidst chanting of pirith.
He noted that this work would ensure the BIA could provide increased facilities to the departing overseas workers from Sri Lanka who generate an annual income of around US$6 billion.
The Mahinda Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) at Mattala could serve as an emergency landing site for flights and even A380 aircraft and they would be able to put this Southern airport to good use in future. The BIA is closed during the day time (8.30 am to 4.30 pm) for runway repair work for three months ending April 6.
Minister De Silva noted that most people were unaware of the reasons for delays in the implementation of the construction of the second terminal building that is expected to commence work by April this year to cater to the eight million passengers calling at the BIA.
“We have done everything but I have to argue with JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency),” he said insisting that the delay was in the implementation of the project despite the loan having been obtained as well. In fact he went on to state that this was mainly due to the conditions placed by Japan according to the regulations that they have to follow.
He noted that the Treasury was looking to them for earnings and asserted that a fair share is being spent on employee salaries and to pay off the loans for Mattala airport as well.
Minister De Silva pointed out that most unions were quick to launch a protest prior to receiving their bonus payment and later claimed they (unions) were responsible for gaining increased bonuses for the workers.
However, the minister, shouting into the microphone, said that it was he who had fought with the Treasury to ensure that the workers are paid more than the planned
Rs. 13,500 bonus pay.
The agitated minister went on to state that he had not voted for the President at the last election but had joined the government since it was a national government and believed that those who had not previously supported the current head of state were the ones actually working hard.
In fact, he pointedly told his deputy minister that even he was able to work with him and that the deputy had no issues either on this front.
He called on the airport staff and other relevant and related agencies to carry out monitoring of the work at the airport to ensure the standards were maintained and that responsible persons should be present to assist when required.
| “Obstacles” hamper 2.5 mln arrivals in 2017 | |
| Sri Lanka is unlikely to achieve its target of 2.5 million tourist arrivals in 2017 due to two key “obstacles”. Tourism Minister John Amaratunga told the Business Times on Thursday that the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) part closure and SriLankan Airlines pulling out of key destinations in Europe were “obstacles” as a result of which “I’m not sure whether we will be able to achieve” the 2.5 million tourist arrival target. He noted that people were interested in visiting the country and hoped that the obstacles would not pose a problem. “But if things were normal it would not be impossible,” in achieving this target, the minister explained. The government set a target of 2.2 million visitor arrivals for 2016 which that fell short by about 200,000. Commenting on this he said, “we always aim high” and added that this was the highest figure Sri Lanka has achieved so far. Minister Amaratunga said that the government was embarking on a destination promotional campaign but due to the strict state procedures they were unable to get it off the ground. However, he explained that there would be a digital, airline, foreign and a list of promotional work that has been identified. The minister also noted that in view of the concerns expressed by the private sector regarding their participation on the boards of the respective tourism institutions, these nominees would not be held responsible in future for the implementation of the decisions made. On the other hand, government officials would be tasked with the responsibility to ensure that the decisions made by the boards would be implemented accordingly. Meanwhile, the government is preparing to issue a gazette notification stating that no private company could employ a tour guide without a valid license. This is being done to curb the growing trend of Chinese tour guides operating in Sri Lanka without being registered. |