Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva says a complaint has been lodged with the government of Japan pertaining to the delay by the Japanese company engaged in the construction of the new terminal at the Bandaranaike International Airport.
Speaking during an observational tour of the construction of the new terminal, Minister de Silva said agreements were entered with Japan for the construction of the terminal eight years ago.
The Minister said many reasons including issues by contractors and the fuel crisis resulted in the eight-year delay in commencing construction.
He claimed he tabled various proposals to expedite the construction process adding however there was no sign of receiving assistance.
The Minister said the construction of the Airport Terminal must be carried out according to international standards by ensuring all services including security.
Minister de Silva said security systems must be in accordance with standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) adding he received a complaint that ICAO standards are not being followed.
He said he took a strict stand on the matter.
The Minister said he informed all relevant parties that the quality of the Terminal cannot be reduced adding he also observed that sub-contractors employed are also unsuitable for the task.
Minister de Silva said these matters also contributed to the delay in the project adding he requested the process of selecting sub-contractors to be streamlined and expediting the construction of the Terminal.
