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
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.
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