Japan Donates Two Fully Equipped Ambulances to BIA and Colombo Port
November 29, 2024
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 Organiztion for Migrtion (IOM). On behalf of the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, the donation was handed to Air Chief Marshal H.D. Abeywickrema (Rtd.), Chairman, Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Private Limited (AASL), by Mr. KAMOSHIDA Naoaki, Minister/Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Japan, in the presence of senior officials of 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 (2005). Equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment, including cardiac monitors, oxygen supply systems, and advanced life support apparatus, each ambulance is tailored to meet the demands of the respective environments they operate in.
In addition to the ambulances, the event marked the donation of a turnkey digital signage system, and two batery-operated airport trolley pushers—the later being a novel introduction at BIA. The digital signage system, a turnkey solution comprised of twenty centrally controlled standing screens deployed across various terminals, is positioned to transform traveller experience at the airport. The system will be utilized to display targeted messages, emergency alerts, and announcements including public health advisories and flight information.
Speaking at the donation event, Mr. KAMOSHIDA Naoaki, Minister/Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Japan highlighted the importance of PoE being beter prepared for possible public health emergencies so that Sri Lanka could atract more visitors in a safe environment and welcomed the arrival of the ambulances and other equipment.
Accepting the donation on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka, Air Chief Marshal H.D. Abeywickrema (Rtd.), Chairman, AASL, 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 and marks a renewed commitment of the Government of Japan towards improving health-resilient, pro-mobility border operations at Sri Lankan PoE.