The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has taken the lead in supporting Sri Lanka’s efforts to modernize its border management system through the introduction of an Automated Border Control (ABC) e-Gate system at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).
This marks a significant step in the country’s transition toward smarter and more secure travel infrastructure.
The project includes the deployment of a four-lane e-Gate system for arriving and departing passengers, aimed at improving processing efficiency, enhancing national security, and aligning with global travel standards.
While Sri Lanka has yet to issue electronic passports (e-passports), the new system will cater to foreign travelers using eMRTDs and pre-registered Sri Lankan citizens with machine-readable passports (MRTDs).
Recognizing the need for clear operational guidelines, IOM is engaging an international consultant to develop a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for managing the new system.
This will be done in collaboration with the Department of Immigration & Emigration (DI&E) and other relevant agencies to ensure smooth operations, legal compliance, and effective integration with existing processes.
The initiative, which has faced multiple delays since its inception in 2017, is now being fast-tracked under the current government.
A high-level committee within the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation recently reviewed the project’s progress and committed to accelerating approvals and improving inter-agency coordination. The system is being installed with support from a Japanese grant.
Originally, the project saw a slow rollout due to challenges in tender evaluation. A call for bids in December 2021 attracted four offers, yet the contract was only awarded in July 2022 to the highest bidder at Rs. 430 million.
This decision raised concerns, as significantly lower bids—ranging from Rs. 130 million to Rs. 240 million—were rejected without clear explanation.
Official sources suggest immigration authorities may have influenced the procurement timeline, with the chosen bidder later offering a 35% discount from the original quote of US$2.08 million.
Despite the progress, officials from the Finance Ministry caution that the success of the e-Gate system hinges on the issuance of e-passports and upgrading airport systems to support automation.
Current check-in and check-out processes at BIA lack compatibility with modern e-Gate infrastructure, necessitating further technological investment.
With IOM’s guidance and international expertise, the e-Gate project signals Sri Lanka’s intent to modernize its airport operations and improve border security.
Once fully implemented, the system is expected to significantly reduce passenger congestion and set a new standard for travel efficiency and safety at the country’s main international gateway.
