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Tourism sector proposes to open country for global travellers under options

17 November 2020 10:20 am - 7     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga has proposed to a recently appointed Sri Lanka Tourism Advisory Committee to consider opening up the country for foreign travellers under two options which include tourists undergoing a mandatory 14-day quarantine period after arriving here or travelling under a strict travel bubble, the Daily Mirror learns.

In recent discussions held with the advisory committee, one option which is under consideration is opening the country for travellers from all countries, but they will have to undergo a minimum 14-day quarantine period after arriving here. Another option under discussion is initially opening the country under a strict travel bubble, which will be open only for German tourists as tourists from this destination prefer only to travel to the beach areas.

Under the travel bubble, tourists will be allowed to travel only to the designated areas and then leave the country. These areas initially include travelling only to Bentota, Yala and Pasikudah. All tourists arriving here will be subject to PCR tests.

The Daily Mirror learns that no decision has been taken as to when the airport will be opened and a final decision on which option to select will be taken soon after which it will be discussed with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Meanwhile, the repatriation programme to bring back Sri Lankan nationals stranded overseas will resume from this week with these nationals being brought back in batches.

Special emphasis will be given to those stranded in the Middle East.

Upon their arrival to Sri Lanka, those repatriated will be sent to government-run quarantine centres or will have the option of undergoing quarantine in paid centres or hotels.(JAMILA HUSAIN)


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  Comments - 7

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  • Silva Tuesday, 17 November 2020 01:50 PM

    If you have only 14 days holiday, having to spend heavily on an overprized ticket, who want's to spend 14 days in a room of a Quarantine hotel. A friend from Germany came 2 months ago and spend 2 weeks in a hotel room in Negombo. They brought her bad food, the room was cleaned once a week but she had to pay like for the Hilton.

    Jan Verbiest Tuesday, 17 November 2020 02:24 PM

    a tourist normally will stay 3 weeks for a Holiday, so 14 days in quarantine and only one week left. no tourist will spend so much money to come to Sri Lanka for one week only.

    Esther Cohen, Europe Tuesday, 17 November 2020 03:41 PM

    Ofcourse I am not travelling to Sri Lanka to get locked up.

    Mads Jansen Raunsbæk Tuesday, 17 November 2020 07:10 PM

    I’m coming I’m coming as soon as Bandaranaike airport open again

    Eichmann Bernhard (Germany) Tuesday, 17 November 2020 09:39 PM

    When I come to sri lanka, I don't just want to stay in one place.

    idiot Tuesday, 17 November 2020 10:32 PM

    this proposal by the Minister with Zero education proves also he is a stupid fool

    Ranjan Gurusinghe Wednesday, 18 November 2020 12:16 AM

    Mr Minister , Are you out of your mind? Who will come and stay in a hotel for 14 days on your own expenses. Germany is also not in good shape. I love my country and live in NZ. I visit SL almost every year. Under this circumstances I will not. First contain the spread of virus and then think about opening the borders


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