The Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE), chaired by MP Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera, conducted a field investigation at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) on April 9. The visit was in connection with the BIA Development Project and the Auditor General’s Reports for 2022 and 2023, as well as a review of the current performance of Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited (AASL).
The project aimed to expand aircraft stands through the construction of a Remote Apron and Taxiways. However, COPE found that both AASL and the Japanese joint venture hired for design and consultancy had proceeded without adequate technical or operational analysis, making it difficult to meet project goals.
Despite these planning flaws, AASL has taken corrective steps, which the committee reviewed during the visit. COPE engaged in discussions with the local representatives of the Japanese consultancy and senior officials, expressing dissatisfaction over financial losses caused by oversight and poor planning.
The committee stressed the need for better project planning to avoid misuse of public funds and announced plans to reconvene with AASL officials for further review.
