By: Staff Writer
November 01, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s maritime gateways are set for a transformative upgrade in traveller clearance and health preparedness, following the launch of an $8.4 million roadmap jointly developed by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), with funding from the Government of Japan. The initiative aims to modernise border management, enhance inter-agency coordination, and strengthen public health resilience across the island’s major seaports.
The new framework titled “Baseline Assessment and Roadmap of Traveller Clearance Arrangements at Sri Lanka Seaports” was unveiled at the Seaport Symposium held in Colombo this week. Covering the ports of Colombo, Galle, Trincomalee, and Kankesanthurai, the study also references Hambantota as an emerging maritime hub. It provides a detailed assessment of existing border processes and outlines strategic reforms to streamline operations, improve digital integration, and ensure readiness for future health emergencies.
IOM Chief Migration Health Officer for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Dr. Simeonette de Asis, described the project as a milestone in balancing border facilitation with public health security. “This collaboration strengthens Sri Lanka’s capacity to manage borders safely and efficiently — not only for trade and travel but also for future pandemic preparedness,” she said, thanking Japan for its sustained support.
Japan’s Deputy Head of Mission in Colombo, Kamoshida Naoaki, reaffirmed his country’s long-standing commitment to Sri Lanka’s infrastructure development, recalling Japan’s contributions to Bandaranaike International Airport and the Jaya Container Terminal. “Infrastructure and equipment are vital, but without proper processes and trained personnel, safety and efficiency cannot be achieved,” he noted.
SLPA Chairman Admiral (Retd.) Sirimevan Ranasinghe emphasised that as an island nation on one of the world’s busiest maritime routes, Sri Lanka’s ports must evolve into secure, efficient, and health-resilient gateways. He outlined ongoing digital upgrades, the installation of modern screening and scanning systems, and the rollout of the Smart Port initiative to accelerate traveller clearance.
The roadmap, he said, provides “a clear and practical guideline for Sri Lanka’s next steps — from procedural harmonisation to infrastructure enhancement and institutional coordination.” He reaffirmed SLPA’s full commitment to implementing the recommendations, which are expected to improve operational efficiency and support sustainable growth in the maritime sector.
The $8.4 million Japan-funded project spans both Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Among its major deliverables are the first Automated Border Control (ABC) system at Bandaranaike International Airport, biometric upgrades at 20 diplomatic missions, and the construction of a new Port Health Office in Colombo. It also includes donations of 17 large-scale scanners and development of standard waste management procedures with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
IOM consultant Ross Greenwood noted that Sri Lanka’s strategic location along global shipping routes presents “enormous potential for trade and tourism,” and the new roadmap’s 46 recommendations 12 of them immediate priorities will help unlock this potential through better coordination, data interoperability, and infrastructure upgrades.
