The Cabinet of Ministers in Sri Lanka has sanctioned the installation of four automatic passenger clearance gates at the departure terminal of Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), scheduled for 2026. This initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency and align the terminal’s facilities with international standards.
This development follows the successful implementation of four similar gates at the arrival terminal, part of a project funded by Japan. Initiated in 2023, the project was supported by a grant of 1,170 million yen (approximately US$8 million) from Japan, channeled through the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The project, titled “Preparation for Border Infectious Disease Control in Southeast Asian Countries,” aimed to elevate BIA’s standards in health security and passenger processing.
The Japanese grant facilitated the installation of advanced baggage scanners, full-body scanners, automated border control (ABC) gates equipped with facial recognition, and e-passport scanners. Additionally, renovations included the introduction of touchless washrooms.
As part of this initiative, the automatic arrival gates are expected to become operational soon, providing eligible passengers with a faster, contactless immigration process.
The proposed departure gates will replicate this system, ensuring “more efficient and correct” passenger clearance, according to the Cabinet approval statement.
This expansion is part of BIA’s broader modernization efforts, which also saw the introduction of self-check-in kiosks in 2023. These upgrades are designed to accommodate increasing passenger traffic while adhering to post-COVID health protocols.
(Colombo/December 30/2025)
