Ministers, MPs using BIA VIP lounge have to pay USD 1,000
Ministers and MPs would have to pay USD 1,000 if they wanted to use the VIP terminal of the Bandaranaike International Airport, MP Dilan Perera said yesterday. He said that the relevant circular had already been issued and it was a common practice in other countries.
Perera said that it was a part of the change in political culture ushered in by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. “He has reduced his staff to 250 and he only uses five backup vehicles,” he said.
President Rajapaksa himself didn’t use the VIP terminal and he had instructed Ministers and MPs to follow suit, Perera said. “He has issued a circular. This terminal can be used by foreign dignitaries but if our own MPs use it, they will have to pay.”
(Source: The Island – By Anura Balasuriya)
Latest Headlines in Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka Police arrest suspects in major fraud case impersonating officers February 23, 2026
- Oxford Union cancels Namal Rajapaksa speech after student opposition February 23, 2026
- 100,000 Litro gas cylinders to be released today to ease shortages in Sri Lanka February 23, 2026
- Sri Lanka to grant pension rights to public servants recruited since 2016 February 22, 2026
- Litro to import over 10,000 MT of Gas – 100,000 cylinders released daily to ease shortage February 22, 2026
That’s a good move.
Partners of politicians who travel in Diplomatic Passports should pay double the sum.
But why pay in USD? Please charge in LKR as Politicians can pay easily with black money (cash).
That will be one way of getting the economy up and running.