The construction of the second terminal of Katunayake Airport, which started in 2020 for 145 billion rupees under the JICA soft loan scheme, was stopped in 2022. The main reason for this was the economic recession in the country by March 2022.
After the country was declared bankrupt due to the economic recession, the concessional loan programme given by JICA for the second terminal project was also stopped. As a result, the construction of essential components of the second terminal was abandoned by the contractors, which was completed using the financial allocation of the airport company. Accordingly, about 6% of the construction of the project has been completed by now.
The Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva discussed with the Japanese government and JICA about the resumption of the construction of this second terminal. As a result, a group of representatives including JICA Chairman Akihiko Tanaka, met Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva on 14 February and discussed this project.
Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said that due to the rising prices of raw materials, equipment and goods in the construction sector, in addition to the loan amount given by JICA, another provision of about $ 450 million is required.
After a lengthy discussion between the two parties, the chairman of JICA said that since Sri Lanka’s economy is showing growth, JICA will support the construction of the second terminal after the financial restructuring process is implemented by the International Monetary Fund.
After this discussion, the representatives including JICA Chairman Tanaka Akihiko, observed the construction work currently being done at the second terminal of Katunayake Airport.
A group of officials including Secretary of the Ministry Mr. K.D.S. Ruwanchandra, Airport and Airline Company Chairman Atula Galkatiya participated in this occasion.
Source: themorning
