Japanese funding to enhance BIA & Colombo Port’s health facilities

A proposal to use Japanese assistance to improve cross-boarder health preparedness at the Colombo Port and the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake has been approved by the Cabinet.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Sri Lanka has received a JPY 1.17 billion grant from the Japanese government to enhance border-related health preparedness at points of entry, directly contribute to the control of infectious diseases, and ensure the general security of all travelers, employees, and staff at points of entry during medical emergencies.

Accordingly, the Maldives International Airport, Colombo Port, and BIA are all expected to get upgrades as a result of the grant.

The proposal was submitted by the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva to carry out the said project in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Department of Immigration, Airports and Air Services Company and Sri Lanka Port Authority.