Under this development stage, the capacity of BIA which presently stands at 6 Million Passenger Movements per annum will be increased to 15 million. An additional finger pier will be constructed to the west of the existing one. A two tier passenger terminal with arrivals and departures physically separated as found in most modern airports will also be constructed. A rapid exit to the Colombo Katunayake Highway will be provided directly from the terminal. Stage 2 itself is to be implemented in two stages and the first stage is scheduled to be completed by early 2016.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is providing assistance for this stage with the loan agreement being signed directly with Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. This is symbolic of the strong bonds of friendship between the two countries that dates back to the post second world war era. Once the Phase II Stage 2 of BIA development is complete it will stand as a monument of this lasting friendship. (ST/KH)