A pre-budget discussion on the progress of the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation under the 2026 Budget and proposals for the 2027 Budget was held yesterday (15) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The meeting reviewed the performance of the Ministry and its affiliated institutions, including the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. (AASL), Ceylon Shipping Corporation (CSCL), SriLankan Airlines, SriLankan Catering, Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL), Merchant Shipping Secretariat, Sri Lanka Port Management and Consultancy Services (Pvt) Ltd., and Jaya Container Terminals (JCT). Progress of projects implemented under the 2026 Budget and proposals for the 2027 Budget were also assessed.
The President reviewed the progress of several major port development initiatives, including the Sri Lanka Ports Development Programme, implemented with financial assistance from the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the Government of India, as well as the Kankesanthurai Port rehabilitation project.
Discussions also focused on the development of the Colombo Port Logistics Park, the extension of the South Port breakwater, implementation of the second phase of the West Container Terminal, and the digitalisation of port operations to improve efficiency.
Officials also briefed the President on a 30-year master plan to enhance the capacity and efficiency of Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), which is expected to be completed within the next three years. The project aims to increase the airport’s annual passenger handling capacity to 24.2 million by 2055.
As part of the programme, the second phase of the BIA expansion project is scheduled for completion in 2027, including the expansion of arrival and departure terminals, construction of a new terminal building, and expansion of airport depot facilities.
President Dissanayake also stressed the need to improve passenger transport services around the airport to ensure greater convenience and operational efficiency.
The meeting further revealed that efforts are underway in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Affairs to digitalise all airport services.
Attention was also drawn to the development of domestic airports, including Hingurakgoda Airport. The President instructed officials to establish a more effective coordination mechanism with the Sri Lanka Air Force for civil passenger operations and directed the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation and the Air Force to jointly review the requirements of each domestic airport and submit an evaluation report.
It was also disclosed that Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport is currently incurring losses of between Rs. 6 million and Rs. 7 million per day, amounting to approximately Rs. 4 billion annually.
Officials presented alternative proposals to reduce the airport’s financial losses, noting that investment proposals have already been invited for the airport and that the relevant process is expected to be completed by 2027.
The meeting also noted that work has commenced to modernise the Jaffna International Airport passenger terminal and improve its facilities.
President Dissanayake further instructed state institutions to utilise their financial strength efficiently, manage funding for future development projects responsibly, and maximise contributions to the State Treasury without placing an additional burden on taxpayers.
Minister of Ports, Civil Aviation and Energy Anura Karunatilaka, Deputy Minister Janith Ruwan Kodithuwakku, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Chief of Presidential Staff Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Senior Additional Secretary to the President and Secretary to the Ministry of Energy Russel Aponsu, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation W.W.S. Mangala, and senior officials from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation were among those who attended the discussion.
