Strength of airport and aviation security to be increased

The Sri Lankan government is to increase the number of security personnel employed by the Airport and Aviation Services Sri Lanka (AASL) (Private) Limited to 1,325 to enhance the safety and security of all airports across the country, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation has said.

Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation, Nimal Siripala de Silva, said there were only 1,120 security personnel attached to the AASL at present.The Minister said that the government wanted to enhance security at all airports.

Latest security and safety surveillance equipment had been installed at the Bandaranaike International Airport, he said, adding that measures would deter the smuggling of drugs and other prohibited goods through the airport.