Germany, India seek to send tourists to SL once airport is open: Official

In addition to Russia, Germany and India have also sought to send their tourists to Sri Lanka, once the airport is open for normal tourism, an official said yesterday.

The government has planned to open the airport on December 26 for tourists and Sri Lankan nationals stranded abroad to return to the country without prior approval from the Foreign Relations Ministry.

Tourism Ministry Secretary Sunil Hettiarachchi told Daily Mirror the health authorities had consented to entertain 300 tourists a day in adherence to strict health guidelines. Responding to social media reports that only Russian tourists are brought in first, he said Sri Lanka remains open to accept people from any country.

“Russia responded initially to the request. Besides, we have received requests from India and Germany. As for the United Kingdom, that country has closed borders for its nationals to move out,” he said.

Any tourist should have undergone a PCR test within 72 hours before their departure for Sri Lanka. After that, they are required to undergo further testing upon arrival in the country.

“We are conducting this programme for one month as a pilot project. Afterwards, it will be reviewed by the health authorities to proceed to the next move,” he said.(Kelum Bandara)