Govt. considering reopening of BIA before August 1: Minister

15 June 2020 12:05 am - 2 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

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

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 - 2

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!

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.

Govt. considering reopening of BIA before August 1: Minister

Comments - 2

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

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’

Western purple-faced langurs see blue!

Most Viewed in News

23 year old youth ends up having his testicles removed

Sri Lanka’s Rupee leads emerging markets in 1st quarter of 2024

Corporal from Air Force Rugby pool killed in police shootout

Former MP Palitha Thewarapperuma dies from electrocution

Suspicious death of 23-year-old woman at hotel sparks concerns

No decision to declare April 15 as public holiday

MIRROR CRICKET

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

Mendis, Mathews move up in ICC Test Rankings

Chamodi, Dewmi spins Sri Lanka U19 Women to big win

Amir, Wasim return to Pakistan national team

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Ruwan calls on Kotte Sri Kalyani Mahanayake Thera

Effectiveness of Sri Lanka’s legal system is questioned over alleged corruption: Chief Delegate

Public inconvenienced due to lack of transport

Ex-soldiers joining Russian military as mercenaries, Sri Lanka seeks details

Mendis, Mathews move up in ICC Test Rankings

Security raised for Champions League ties after threat

SLA target four events at Paris Olympic Games

Chamodi, Dewmi spins Sri Lanka U19 Women to big win