Floating tender for currency exchange counters in BIA

The Government this week decided to announce limited national tender for bids from financial institutions for six currency exchange counters on the Departure Walkway at Bandaranaike International Airport.

Agreements signed with the five financial institutions - Sampath Bank, Commercial Bank, Bank of Ceylon, Hatton National Bank and Thomas Cook - currently running counters in the Departure Walkway are to expire end of this year, Transport Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva informed Cabinet.

The tenders are being called to allocate the same counters; one additional counter which has become free after the completion of Departure Walkway refurbishments will also be available for rent.

Financial institutions authorised by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka are eligible for bidding to operate counters in the BIA. The institutions will be able to sell foreign currency, drafts and travellers’ cheques, re-exchange service of local currencies to foreign currencies, and make payments against international credit cards.