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Sri Lankans stranded overseas to arrive from Nov 18

13 November 2020 01:44 pm - 11     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The repatriation of Sri Lankan citizens overseas which was temporarily suspended will resume next week, with five special flights designated to repatriate Sri Lankans from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Italy, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman.

The programme to repatriate Sri Lankans overseas was suspended in October due to a surge of COVID-19 cases, following the detection of the Minuwangoda cluster. Taking various difficulties endured by these citizens into account, including the loss of employment, government officials announced it would resume the repatriation programme, with a key focus on the Middle-East.

Accordingly 290 persons will arrive in Sri Lanka on November 18, on paid quarantine basis, Director General East Asia at the Foreign Ministry, Kandeepan Balasubramaniam said. Meanwhile 100 persons are scheduled to arrive in the country on November 20 from Italy. This group would include Sri Lankan students residing in Italy who wish to sit for the Ordinary Level examination in Sri Lanka.

A special flight for 297 persons identified as vulnerable persons, including pregnant women and patients with illnesses, is scheduled to arrive from Qatar on November 21.

Another flight with 297 persons from Kuwait is scheduled to arrive on November 23 on paid quarantine basis, while a further 290 citizens will arrive from Oman on November 26. (Kalani Kumarasinghe)


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  Comments - 11

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  • Noname Friday, 13 November 2020 04:57 PM

    This whole operation is a sham. People have to wait forever to return or leave the country (because they cannot return). When people in western province are allowed to self-isolate at home why people coming from abroad have to spend Rs. 200,000/- and isolate in hotels? Prevalence of COVID in isolated areas in Colombo is now much higher than among returning Sri Lankans. No concern for lives of ordinary people. All VIPs both local and foreign can come and go as they please-- no COVID testing, no isolation nothing.

    Lanakan Friday, 13 November 2020 06:31 PM

    Scapegoats come on 18th. NO we can indict them for Covid 19.

    Demuni Uduwara Friday, 13 November 2020 08:45 PM

    Who is the Travel agent?

    Srilanka Friday, 13 November 2020 09:29 PM

    Commercial flights between all countries are operating except in Sri Lanka. Why? Gota failed?

    Abdul Muzahir Friday, 13 November 2020 11:28 PM

    Why not Saudi Arabia. So far only 2 flights our embassy sleeping in Saudi Arabia. Wake up please poor ones languishing in all over Saudi Arabia

    Jen Saturday, 14 November 2020 12:10 AM

    At this rate repatriation will be completed by 2025 only!

    Lion Saturday, 14 November 2020 11:47 AM

    Dont believe until they come .earlier president said within 48 hours they will be brought back.That was weeks ago.

    Palitha Saturday, 14 November 2020 12:27 PM

    Why there is no flights from Saudi Arabia. Last 9 months only one flight left Dammam airport in eastern province. More than 2000 people are waiting to go home for last 7 months. Some of our friends died too. Why the government treat us like 3rd class citizens.

    Mohamed Thahir Saturday, 14 November 2020 01:26 PM

    A very good move. Highly appreciated the Authorities. Home Quarantine option with strict guidelines and close monitoring , if PCR test on arrival is negative will be a great relief for those returning expatriates since they are eagerly on long waiting to reunite with their families.

    Dee Saturday, 14 November 2020 02:24 PM

    Are these the guys who came to vote carrying Lion flags last November? what's their names? Ahh. 'Rataviruwo'. Please bring them, country needs them.

    Uthayaraj Reddiar Saturday, 14 November 2020 02:29 PM

    Thousands of expatriates want to come home in December, but do not want to spend 200000 their lives in a hotel, a luxury prison! Everything is a business!


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