INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
The Government of Japan has provided a grant of USD 8.4 million through the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to strengthen PoE
facilities in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.The grant component for Sri Lanka aims to strengthen capacities at the Bandaranaike International
Airport (BIA) and the Colombo Port which are vital gateways to the island nation, to be future-ready for responding to any public health
emergencies such as pandemics and infectious diseases.The event for handing over the first part of the donation took place on Wednesday (10)
at the BIA.Under this initiative, BIA and Colombo Port are set to receive cutting-edge equipment and facilities, including advanced baggage
scanners, full body scanners, Automated Border Control (ABC) gates equipped with a Face Recognition System (AFRS), full-page e-passport
scanners, and biometric-based access control systems.Additionally, the project renovates approximately 150 washrooms at BIA with
Our support extends particularly to the enhancement of PoE, with a special focus on BIA and Colombo Port
Through this initiative, Japan aims to fortify PoE capabilities, ensuring seamless management of future emergencies, especially during
with International Health Regulations (IHR), alongside enhancements to both BIA and Colombo Port waste disposal capabilities.A four-story
office building will be constructed for the Port Health Service at Colombo Port and 25 Sri Lankan Diplomatic Missions will receive biometric
enrollment workstations enabling linking up with the Department of Immigration and Emigration to speed up passport issuance for Sri Lankans
living overseas.For a greater outcome, the project will provide comprehensive training and staff capacity building to strengthen border
generous financial support given by the Government of Japan and IOM Sri Lanka for this important initiative which will significantly bolster
is implemented by IOM under the guidance of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation in close coordination with the Airport - Aviation
Services Sri Lanka Limited (AASL), Sri Lanka Ports Authority, the Department of Immigration and Emigration, and the Ministries of Health and
The focus of the project extends beyond physical infrastructure and encompasses efforts for the economy, security, and digital landscape
IOM feels privileged to be a part of this project of national significance and is grateful for the support extended by all stakeholders for
for efficient, secure, and safe operations at BIA and Colombo Port
It will further improve traveller confidence, driving the potential for a boost in tourism and business travel offering an opportunity for
mobility to return to pre-pandemic levels and adapt to the post-pandemic reality.
