Lanka shortlist 5 Cos' for Weerawila Airport project

Colombo: The Government has shortlisted five companies for taking up the construction of Sri Lanka’s second international airport at Weerawila. The five companies including contractors from Japan, Germany and Singapore will be shortly considered by the Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) to select the most eligible contractor for the project, a spokesman for the Ports and Aviation Ministry said.


“The five companies were short-listed by the TEC comprising representatives of the Treasury and the Airport and Aviation Services Ltd (AASL), out of 20 contractors who had expressed interest in the project. All five companies have tendered attractive terms and conditions including Build Operate Transfer agreements,” he said.


The total cost for the construction of the Weerawila International Airport is estimated to be Rs 1,400 million.


According to the Ministry, the process of acquiring 1,100 hectares of land earmarked for the project has already been completed. The AASL has undertaken to provide Rs. 500 million out of the cost while the Government has decided to find an investor to provide the balance amount.


“The Central Bank has suggested an equity in this regard whereby the investor will be entitled to shares in the airport in proportion to his contribution. This proposal is also being studied”.
Meanwhile, it has also been decided to issue shares of the airport to the public and local entrepreneurs.


The first phase of the project which consists of constructing the airport having the capacity to accommodate the giant A380 airbuses and commencing operations, will be completed by 2010.


The second and final phase under which the airport will be further expanded is expected to be completed by 2011.