In the absence of government initiative, Japan has provided USD 8.4 mn to strengthen facilities at two key Points of Entry (PoE), namely the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) and the Colombo Port to be future-ready for responding to any public health emergencies such as pandemics and infectious diseases.

The funding has been provided through the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to strengthen PoE facilities in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

The Japanese Embassy and the IOM, in a joint press release issued yesterday (15), said that a decision was made to strengthen PoEs against the backdrop of almost 1.5 million visitor arrivals and 7.5 million passenger turnovers recorded in 2023. Asserting that Sri Lanka is on its way to recovery, stability, and growth after the Easter Sunday attacks, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the devastating economic crisis in 2022, the statement said as cross-border travel was expected to rise rapidly in the coming months, strengthening PoEs to ensure smooth functioning of them without any closure was of paramount importance.

The handing over the first part of the equipment took place recently at the BIA. Under this initiative, the 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 sensor-operated, touchless equipment providing hygienic benefits for passengers, crew, and staff.

At the event, the Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, Mizukoshi Hideaki stated “I am proud to reaffirm Japan’s unwavering commitment to the recovery, growth, and development of Sri Lanka. 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 pandemics.”

In addition, the project will provide much-needed medical equipment, and renovate and equip the isolation room at the BIA, in line with International Health Regulations (IHR), alongside enhancements to both the BIA and the 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 health compliance in line with international standards enabling swift response to public health emergencies.

This project is implemented by IOM under the guidance of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation in close coordination with the Airport and Aviation Services Sri Lanka Limited (AASL), Sri Lanka Ports Authority, the Department of Immigration and Emigration, and the Ministries of Health and Foreign Affairs.

Commenting on the occasion, the Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Sarat Dash stated that “IOM strongly believes that strengthening the PoE is an investment for the future. 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 its successful implementation.”