The expansion project at the Katunaike Bandaranaike International Airport will commence before the end of this month, Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said.

The proposed expansion is aimed at increasing the airport's capacity from 6 million passengers per year to 15 million passengers per year.

The expansion project is partly funded by the Government of Japan.

The first phase of the project is expected to be completed in three years.

The expansion project will cover infrastructure development, capacity enhancement and the improvement of efficiency at the airport.