Fresh health guidelines to resuscitate COVID-19-hit tourism industry

By Kelum Bandara

Sri Lanka is to publish health guidelines internationally  soon for tourists as a move to resuscitate the tourism industry 
hit by  COVID-19, an official said yesterday.   

Secretary to the Tourism and Aviation Ministry S.  Hettiarachchi told the Daily Mirror yesterday that Sri Lanka would entertain  tourists only after the Bandaranaike International Airport was open for  international flight operations.   

However, he said it is still uncertain when it could be done.   

“We can internationally publish COVID-19 guidelines for  tourists intending to come here. We have already finalised them in  consultation with the health authorities. It is a lengthy document. We  will notify the relevant international bodies through Sri Lankan  missions. We can do it this week,” he said.   

Tourists are required to arrive in the country with  COVID-19 certification. Upon arrival, they will be required to stay in the  country at least for five nights. They will be prohibited from using the  public transport system.   

Mr. Hettiarachchi said the tourism industry had been hit by the pandemic severely.   

“In additional, SriLankan Airlines, as the national career,  is losing heavily. Airport does not generate any income. The industry  wants us to announce the day of re-opening the airport. But, we cannot do  it right now. It may be during the course of August after the general  elections,” he said.   

• We  will notify the relevant international bodies through Sri Lankan  missions. We can do it this week