Press briefing of Cabinet Decision taken on 2024-02-26 (Subject to Confirmation at the next Meeting)

Enhancement of Border Health Capacities at the Bandaranaike International Airport and the Port of Colombo

- Since the economy in Sri Lanka mainly rely on the income generated through the international tourism and business travel, it has been identified the necessity of preparing Points of Entry (PoE) through the cross border in compliance with the International Health Regulations in relation to uninterrupted PoE operation, building the confidence of the travellers and travelling. Accordingly, the Government of Japan has awarded a grant of Yen 1,170 Mn through the International Organization for Migration to further strengthen as a whole, the boarder health preparedness at PoE and directly contribute to infectious disease control and for the safety of all the passengers, crew and the PoE staff from various health emergencies. With this, it has been planned to improve the facilities of Bandaranaike International Airport, the Port of Colombo and the International Airports in Maldives in accordance with the International practices, recommendations and standards. Accordingly, the proposal made by the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation to facilitate the implementation of the relevant project in co-ordination with the Ministry of Health, Department of Immigration and Emigration, Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Ltd and Sri Lanka Ports Authority, was approved by the Cabinet.