By: A Special Correspondent
January 12, Colombo (LNW): Air travellers arriving at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake have voiced strong concerns over the condition of the buses transporting them from the aircraft to the Immigration and Emigration Section, labelling the service as subpar and uncomfortable.
For many international visitors, this bus ride represents their first experience upon entering Sri Lanka, and according to some passengers, it sets a negative tone for the rest of their stay.
One passenger arriving from London on January 11 criticised the state of the buses, likening the interior to outdated, poorly maintained vehicles from the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB).
The crowded conditions, described as reminiscent of the notorious “138 Maharagama-Pettah” bus service in Colombo, added to the discomfort of passengers who had just completed long-haul flights.
This initial unsatisfactory experience undermines the country’s appeal, particularly amongst foreign tourists who might judge Sri Lanka based on these first impressions, one passenger told LNW.
The situation was particularly problematic for a group of cyclists who had arrived in the country, with their equipment having to be squeezed onto a bus already packed with passengers, another disclosed.
Travellers have voiced concerns over the lack of thought given to the specific needs of different groups, suggesting that better planning could alleviate such issues.
Whilst the service itself left much to be desired, passengers were quick to praise the efficiency of the immigration and emigration departments. Despite the crowded conditions on the buses, the officers were commended for processing the large number of passengers from a full London flight swiftly, with all travellers cleared within 20-30 minutes.
This positive experience at the immigration counter highlighted the potential for improvement in other areas of airport services.
An investigation revealed that there are 11 buses in total serving the airport’s transportation needs, with only four belonging to the government and the remaining seven leased from private operators.
This mixed fleet raises questions about the consistency and quality of the service, with many passengers calling for urgent upgrades to ensure a more comfortable and professional experience for incoming visitors.
Improving the cleanliness, comfort, and efficiency of the airport transport service, passengers argue, could significantly enhance Sri Lanka’s image, offering a far more welcoming first impression to international tourists.
It should be noted that addressing these basic yet crucial details could make an atmosphere of difference in attracting and retaining tourists given tourism continues to play a vital role in the island nation’s economy.
This post was originally published on here
