Proposal made to reopen airports for tourists from August

26 May 2020 07:11 pm - 15 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

The Presidential Task Force established to combat COVID-19 has proposed to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to reopen airports for foreign tourists from August 1st as the country is gradually returning to normalcy, the President’s Media Division said today.

It said the Committee members pointed out that it is a remarkable achievement that not a single infected person was reported from the community up to date since April 30.

The COVID Prevention Task Force Committee was convened under the patronage of President Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat today to discuss ways and means to revive the tourism industry which was badly affected by the pandemic.

The President has highlighted the necessity of following health guidelines issued by international and local health experts in the event of opening the country for tourists.

“There is a possibility to be at the forefront of tourism revival provided a well-planned strategy is in place. Future steps should be taken under the guidance of tourism and health professionals on a priority basis,” President said.

Under the first phase, it was decided to open hotels and restaurants registered under the Tourism Development Authority for in-house dining.

Based on its progress, steps will be taken to gradually open unregistered eateries under the assistance and supervision of the Army and Public Health Officers.

The President advised relevant officials to set up Tourists Police units comprising those who are fluent in foreign languages giving priority to popular tourist destinations.

“In order to attract tourists it is necessary to have a proper understanding of their preferences. Some prefer the beach while some enjoy seeing archaeological sites and wildlife. Some tourists are interested in scenic beauty. Tourist promotion activities should be planned accordingly,” the President added.

Minister of Health Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Prasanna Ranatunga, Secretary to the President Dr. P.B. Jayasundera and members of the Presidential Task Force established to combat COVID-19 have attended the meeting.

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 15

Moharram Wednesday, 27 May 2020 02:31 AM

Nice .i like goo srilanka very nice cuntrey

Dee Wednesday, 27 May 2020 07:31 AM

Airports should also be brought under MOD.

mohan Wednesday, 27 May 2020 08:31 AM

your house should be under MOD

Roma Wednesday, 27 May 2020 11:11 PM

Since so-called democracy lovers had been given democracy to so-called peace-loving terrorists, everything must be brought under MOD. That's the only way to ensure security and real freedom. Prioritize living, not religion.

Lokusalli Wednesday, 27 May 2020 08:30 AM

Perhaps test tourists on arrival ..charge them for it .This will unsure no one is re introducing covid 19 into SL ..Better than putting them in quarantine for two weeks.

Sokrates Wednesday, 27 May 2020 08:59 AM

Come to Sri Lanka for an adventure holiday. We have only about 100 new corona cases daily. "The country is gradually returning to normalcy."

John Stewart Wednesday, 27 May 2020 09:15 AM

SriLanakan Airlines has said it intends to resume flights on 1st June but how can it if cannot bring people - tourists for example - to Sri Lanka, I have friends in the UK who would like to come to Sri Lanka in June so, presumably, they can't.

CITIZEN Wednesday, 27 May 2020 10:10 AM

NO DOCTORS ATTENDED. MINISTER OF HEALTH IS NOT A DOCTOR

Mify Wednesday, 27 May 2020 11:05 AM

All the progress made so far will be wasted. Adagena nanna hadanne. Why don't the govt assist/invest the people who are in the field of tourism to change to different industry. I know practically not easy.

Sando Wednesday, 27 May 2020 11:05 AM

Open all Schools First and announce vital Examinations.....A Level and O Level in August and December as scheduled.

Andrew Silva Wednesday, 27 May 2020 12:01 PM

If the community is free from the infection from April 30th. Why wait till August to open the Air Ports? and why the curfew? Let the people move freely.

cheers Wednesday, 27 May 2020 12:09 PM

first open domestic tourism in hotels to help the businesses and then open the airport to tourist coming from safe countries and when they land do a temperature check and if not well then 14 day quarantine with a payment in a camp. This will be good for foreign exchange to come back so the jobs and the business will come back. So far great leadership by the President and the PM and we need to move on

Jan Verbiest Wednesday, 27 May 2020 12:51 PM

If I as a tourist have to be in a camp for 14 day,s from a 3 weeks holiday i will not fly to Sri Lanka.

Marco Wednesday, 27 May 2020 01:57 PM

The virus is curable with plasma and ozone therapy, so open to tourism without any constrictions or nobody will came for holidays. Just organise the doctors because it can be cured at home like a normal flu. Think about all the tourism companies or start to assume many people will not have any more their jobs

Bernd Wendholt Wednesday, 27 May 2020 05:33 PM

I come to Sri Lanka since 1976 in the last years always two or three times in a year. My last stay was in December. Hopefully I an come back soon !! I really miss it.

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Proposal made to reopen airports for tourists from August

Comments - 15

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Most Viewed in News

Train fails to halt, crashes onto Colombo Fort platform

Racing event tragedy leaves seven dead including eight-year-old child

SL on alert on possible genocide allegations by Canada

New Visa procedure implemented

Complaint lodged over Piumi Hansamali's possession of Gota’s Range Rover

Former MP Palitha Thewarapperuma dies from electrocution

MIRROR CRICKET

Is Chamari Athapaththu Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketer ever?

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

No footboard riding allowed, no liability for accidents: Railways Department

Six patients claim Rs.600 million from Keheliya and others for permanent loss of sight

SLPP, UNP initiates action for forming broad alliance

Here is the way!

Pakistan lose key players for last two T20Is against New Zealand

Sri Lanka secures third spot in South Asian Kurash Championship 2024

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Army forms committee to probe Diyatalawa Fox Hill Supercross accident