Touts, taxi drivers, baggage handlers bane of BIA, laments Minister

Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva has says that despite the increase in the number of foreign tourists arriving in the country with the dawn of the tourist season, he has also received numerous complaints from them.

“These complaints say that the Katunayake Airport lacks courtesy,” he said, adding that complaints had been received that baggage handlers, taxi drivers and brokers were engaged in various irregularities within the airport premises.

The Minister made those remarks at a special discussion with the officials of the Katunayake Airport during morning hours today, 28 March 2023. The discussion was aimed at resolving complaints and prevailing congestion at the airport.

At the discussion, it was decided to increase the fine from RS. 25,000 to Rs.100,000 for committing such irregularities, to deploy a team of civil security personnel to apprehend those involved in irregularities, to expand the airport’s CCTV system and to establish a special counter to receive any complaint and take counter action immediately.

The Minister ordered the officials to take stern action against anyone involved in such irregularities at the airport premises.

The Minister also requested the taxi drivers, baggage handlers and porters to behave in a polite manner that brings pride to Sri Lanka.

Several Officials of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation, officials of the Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd., and the Department of Immigration and emigration also attended the discussion.