Colombo, 29 November – The Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) and the Colombo Port received two fully equipped ambulances as part of the ongoing Border Health Project, funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Mr. Kamoshida Naoaki, Minister/ Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Japan, handed over the donation to Air Chief Marshal H.D. Abeywickrema (Rtd.), Chairman, Airport and Aviation Services Sri Lanka (AASL). The Chairman received the donation on behalf of Sri Lanka's Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation in the presence of senior officials from the Ministry, AASL, and IOM.    

The ambulances, each valued at approximately USD 100,000, will enhance the emergency health preparedness of the Points of Entry (PoE) in line with International Health Regulations of 2005. Equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment, including cardiac monitors, oxygen supply systems and advanced life support apparatus, these ambulances are tailored to meet the demands of the respective environments they operate in.

In addition to the ambulances, the handover event also included the donation of a digital signage system and two battery-operated airport trolley pushers – the latter being a novel introduction at BIA. The digital signage system, a turnkey solution comprised of 20 centrally controlled standing screens deployed across various terminals, is positioned to transform traveler experience at the airport. The system will be utilized to display targeted messages, emergency alerts and other announcements like public health advisories and flight information.

Speaking at the donation event, Mr. Kamoshida, Minister/ Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Japan, highlighted the importance of PoE being better prepared for possible public health emergencies enabling Sri Lanka to attract more visitors in a safe environment, and welcomed the arrival of the ambulances and other equipment.

Echoing a similar sentiment, Air Chief Marshal Abeywickrema (Rtd.) stated, “I extend my profound gratitude to the Government of Japan, the Japanese Embassy, IOM, and the project team for their invaluable assistance and commitment to enhancing BIA’s health resilience as part of the ongoing Border Health Project. This generous donation will significantly benefit our passengers and the broader aviation community, strengthening our emergency health preparedness as the nation’s primary gateway.”

This project is implemented by IOM with the support and guidance of the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and the Ministry of Health. It marks a renewed commitment of the Government of Japan towards improving health-resilient, pro-mobility border operations at Sri Lankan PoE.

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For more information, please contact:

Shantha Kulasekara, Senior Programme Manager / Head of Office at IOM Maldives, Tel: +960 9287796, Email: skulasekara@iom.int

Asel Kularatne, Communications Officer, Email: akularatne@iom.int