Operations back to normal at BIA

COLOMBO: Flight operations at the Bandaranaike International Air Port is back to normal, with the resumption of night flights and other 24 hour services Presidential Adviser Basil Rajapaksa told a meeting held at the Defence Ministry on Thursday, states a press release from the Media Centre for National Security.

Flight operations had dropped following the temporary closure of the airport during night time.

Officials decided to close the BIA after 10.30 p.m. as a precautionary measure against night air attacks by the LTTE. Flight arrivals which were at 302 per week fell drastically with the shutting down of night operations at the airport.

However, with the resumption of 24 hour operations, flight arrivals have now increased to 301 per week, Rajapaksa said.

During the meeting officials discussed strengthening security at key financial and infrastructure installations such as customs, investment board, port and the airport. Rajapaksa further stated that there is no room for negligence in security as the LTTE may exploit such situations to attack vital economic targets.

Defence Secretary, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Air Force Commander Air Marshal Roshan Gunatileka, Minister of Tourism, Milinda Moragoda, Deputy Minister for Ports and Civil Aviation Sarath Kumara Gunarathna and high ranking Government officials representing ports, tourism and investment attended the meeting.