The Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi

Jathika Jana balawegaya· Gampaha· 4 March 2026 ·Adjournment: Adjournment: Questions on Cyclone Relief and Tourism

InfrastructureForeign Affairs

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Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi noted that Sri Lanka recorded its highest tourist arrivals since the Easter attacks, the pandemic, and the economic crisis, but said airport congestion remains a problem, particularly in immigration, baggage claim, exits, and vehicle access. He asked the relevant Minister for January 2026 passenger throughput figures, future projections, and whether a second passenger terminal at Bandaranaike International Airport is considered necessary. He also sought details on the plan and timeline for that terminal and on concurrent development plans for domestic airports.

Verbatim record (translated)

Machine-translated from Sinhala / Tamil / English

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, the highest tourist arrivals before were in 2018, but last year we surpassed that challenge and recorded the highest arrivals since the Easter attacks, the pandemic, and the economic downturn. However, there are issues at the airport in facilitating tourists. From Immigration clearance to baggage claim and exit takes a considerable time. Drivers face delays bringing vehicles to the car porch. The Government is undertaking development at the airport. I ask the relevant Minister:

¶ 02 1. What was the total passenger throughput in January 2026?

¶ 03 2. What is the projected passenger throughput for the coming years?

¶ 04 3. Do you agree that constructing a second passenger terminal at Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake—the main contributor—is essential to meet targets?

¶ 05 4. If so, what is the plan and timeline? And what are the Ministry’s plans for concurrent development of domestic airports?

¶ 06 I look forward to the Minister’s answers.

Provenance

Source: Hansard, Wednesday, 4 March 2026 ·No. 23360 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard
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Cite as: The Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi. 10th Parliament, Parliament of Sri Lanka. Hansard, 4 March 2026. No. 23360. Politick, https://staging.politick.io/lk/speeches/13541