The crucial technical evaluation of bids for the long-stalled Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) expansion project has faced delays, with Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku now expecting the process to conclude by the end of September. 

This marks a new timeline, given that the Deputy Minister previously anticipated the evaluation to be completed by the first week of July.

“The technical evaluation of the tender process is still ongoing and we are pursuing clarifications from the bidders,” Kodithuwakku stated. 

He confirmed that two offers had been submitted for the remaining work of Package ‘A1,’ which includes the new Terminal 2 and associated infrastructure.

The Deputy Minister underscored the importance of a thorough review, explaining: “We had also pressured the Technical Evaluation Committee to make sure that the evaluation is done correctly. It is very important that we iron out all these matters during the technical evaluation, because if we do not resolve these matters at this stage, it will lead to legal and other complication-related delays later.”

In addition to the technical hurdles, the project is also facing financial complexities. The expansion is funded by a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) concessionary loan. However, Kodithuwakku revealed that the initial rates promised by JICA were no longer applicable due to current market conditions. 

“The allocated funds are not enough,” he said, adding that the Government was in discussions with JICA to secure the extra funding required.

The BIA expansion, formally known as the BIA Development Project Phase II Stage 2, aims to boost the airport’s annual passenger capacity from six million to 16 million. Construction on the project was halted in 2022 due to Sri Lanka’s economic crisis. 

The Government is now working to restart the project, which is critical for the airport that handled 8.5 million travellers in 2024, exceeding its current capacity. Once the new contractor is selected, the project is expected to be completed within 30 months.