SRI LANKA. Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) has unveiled a new travel retail shopping experience on the second floor of its arrivals terminal building.
Government-owned operator Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) dubbed the LKR225 million (US$2.7 million) project as the ‘New Arrival Electronic Shopping Mall’.
The construction of the mall involved relocating 31 arrivals tax free shops from the first floor of the arrival terminal building to the storey above.
According to the airport operator, the retail relocation will facilitate the passengers’ use of their duty free allowances for consumer electronics.
The opening ceremony on 3 January was graced by the Sri Lanka Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation, Nimal Siripala De Silva.
The operator said its objective was to enhance the passenger experience in the arrivals duty free area, uplift service quality and “improve the image of the airport and Sri Lanka in every aspect”.
Works for 1,900 sq m retail space also included the installation of two escalators, two glass elevators, a structural steel staircase, and the extension of three existing elevators.
BIA is the main international airport serving Sri Lanka. It is named after former Prime Minister S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike and is located in a suburb of Negombo, 32.5km north of the Sri Lankan capital city, Colombo. 
