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Last Updated : 2024-04-19 21:20:00
By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya
The government is considering reopening of the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake to tourists before August 1, Tourism and Aviation Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said.
He emphasised that all those expecting to arrive in Sri Lanka will be brought back before the reopening of the Airport for the tourists.
The Minister said that the repatriation of Sri Lankan expatriates could be completed before August 1.
However, he said this has to be decided according to the availability of spaces at quarantine centres in the country.
“There are about 20,000 more Sri Lankans, expecting to return. Already, at least 10,000 persons were brought and are being quarantined. We hope to expedite this process,” he said.
The Minister said that after the reopening of the airport for tourists, attention would be made to bring in tourists in groups. He said that all tourists should undergo PCR tests on their arrival.
After the reopening of the airport for tourists, attention would be made to bring in tourists in groups. He said that all tourists should undergo PCR tests on their arrival
Sampath Jayawardena Wednesday, 17 June 2020 11:28 PM
With all due respect to the Minister, Prasanna Ranathunga for considering to bring back all Overseas Sri Lankan workers before 1st August 2020 subject to the condition that availability of quarantine centers. However, I need to point out the following with regards to the Minister's declaration. 1. According to the Director General of Health Dr. Anil Jasignhe, only 7,000 returnees from overseas have been repatriated, but not 10,000. 2. Currently, more than 50,000 Sri Lankan citizens are expected to return to their motherland in this crisis. 3. Capacity of quarantine centers in Sri Lanka is more or less 5,000 people at a given period of 14 days. In order to expedite this process, there should be an improved method of increasing this capacity. Example: search for low cost hotel quarantine which may be three star definitely not five star. 4. Since beginning of repatriation process, only three flights which carried total of only 620 people went from the UAE which is a very low compared.
Gamini Samarasinghe Thursday, 18 June 2020 04:35 PM
My heart aches for them. I am completely helpless. Please do something for them Government!
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