Seamless Arrivals: Katunayake Airport Officially Opens New E-Gates Today
By Lions Roar Aotearoa Travel Desk
KATUNAYAKE, SRI LANKA (Wednesday, January 28, 2026) — Traveling into Sri Lanka just became significantly faster. The Department of Immigration and Emigration has officially opened four high-tech Electronic Gates (E-Gates) at the arrival terminal of the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake today.
Chief Immigration Officer Jude Fernando confirmed that the new system is fully operational as of this morning, marking a major milestone in the modernization of Sri Lanka’s primary international gateway.
🇯🇵 A Gift from Japan
The “E-Gate” project was realized through a generous aid package from the Government of Japan. These gates utilize advanced biometric technology to verify passports and identities without the need for manual processing by a customs officer.
- Project Scope: Four electronic gates have been installed in the first phase.
- Goal: To reduce congestion at the arrival terminal and streamline the immigration process for eligible travelers.
- Efficiency: Mr. Fernando noted that the gates are expected to drastically increase the “passenger throughput” and improve the overall efficiency of airport operations.
⚙️ How It Works
The E-Gates allow passengers to scan their electronic passports and undergo a facial recognition check. If the data matches, the gates open automatically, allowing the traveler to enter the country in seconds.
📊 Impact on Travel Experience
| Feature | Manual Counters | New E-Gates |
| Processing Time | 2–5 minutes per person | 15–30 seconds |
| Staffing | Requires 1 officer per desk | Automated (monitored by 1 officer) |
| Congestion | High during peak hours | Significantly Reduced |
| Accuracy | Human verification | Biometric Precision |
💬 “A More Efficient Airport”
Speaking to the media at the launch, Chief Immigration Officer Jude Fernando highlighted the importance of technology in tourism.
“With the opening of these four E-Gates today, we are taking a massive step toward making BIA a smart airport. Our primary goal is to provide a hassle-free experience for visitors and returning citizens alike, ensuring that their first impression of Sri Lanka is one of efficiency and warmth.”
The Department plans to monitor the success of these first four gates before potentially expanding the system to the departure terminal later this year.
