Too early to re-open airports: Minister

4 September 2020 12:34 am - 17 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Government is still studying the possibility of reopening Sri Lankan airports, Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi said.

Speaking to the media after an event yesterday, she said the matter was deeply discussed in the Cabinet and added it was proposed that more time should be given to study the entire Covid-19 scenario and risk factors.

“Ensuring the safety of people living in Sri Lanka is my priority. I can’t risk people living in the country by letting the airports open for others," she said.

The Minister pointed out that nearly 26,000 Sri Lankans had been repatriated so far while some 58,000 were yet to be repatriated.

“We have been maintaining a proper plan when repatriation is done. A lot of pressure is exerted by foreign countries through the embassies to take the Sri Lankans home. However, we can’t risk Sri Lankans living here by repatriating everyone at the same time,” she stressed. (Sheain Fernandopulle)

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Comments - 17

Jinna Friday, 04 September 2020 04:53 AM

Close it for ever. But you will lose opportunities of kissing Chinese.

Laknow Friday, 04 September 2020 05:29 AM

It is waste to close this airport, we can open this airport with restrictions in placed. Closing this airport for short term pleasure for two , three people’s uneducated idea, government and people will place drastic economic consequences. Better open this both airports with restrictions place for each specific country arrivals.

Andrew Silva Friday, 04 September 2020 06:16 AM

Sri Lanka had a election saying there is no covid 19 in the country. Has the disease started now?

Jude Keegel Friday, 04 September 2020 06:20 AM

Common-sense should prevail first and foremost, opening the Airport should be in parrelle to International countries allowing its citizens to travel. Presently most Governments do NOT allow its citizens to travel FULL STOP.

Sunil Friday, 04 September 2020 07:30 AM

The economy needs the airport to be OPENED! So many are now suffering financially...it’s going on 7 months now...

Chux Friday, 04 September 2020 09:10 AM

You better pay to so many innocent people living out of so many industries repeated to Airport

Roshan Friday, 04 September 2020 09:11 AM

I don’t know when our government will understand to mange any situation well .

Venom Friday, 04 September 2020 09:46 AM

No way. Keep the borders closed. Opening airport will not bring $ as no one has $ to spend on holidays now. The world economy and airlines in tatters. Airport opening will only bring Indians with COVID19 not $. Can be left opened for cargo operations.

Sampath Friday, 04 September 2020 09:51 AM

Here in UAE we Sri Lanakns have last our jobs and now we begging for food. Waiting to come home

Eichmann Bernhard (Germany) Friday, 04 September 2020 10:29 AM

The clan is behind it, but the population wants to suffer even more.

Raj Friday, 04 September 2020 10:36 AM

The 58000 who are stranded abroad are also Sri Lankan people. We could be the only country not allowing its own citizens to come back home.

Pranayrakesh Friday, 04 September 2020 11:05 AM

What a fool's decesion, open airport with screening/testing on arrival (charge for it)

Imran Friday, 04 September 2020 04:19 PM

The government should use a common sense approach to this situation and have a plan to quickly repatriate its citizens first. So many are suffering after losing their jobs especially in the UAE. Their visas have expired and they will face fines for overstay soon.

Samson Friday, 04 September 2020 04:42 PM

No issue opening airports provided health checks are carried out at passengers expense.

ravi Friday, 04 September 2020 05:02 PM

But the BILLION rupee Terminal 2 expansion is commencing!! That is the BILLION DOLLAR question!

Sri Lankan Citizen Tuesday, 08 September 2020 01:36 PM

We need to open the airport due to financial instability. Most of the businesses going bankrupcy and families starting to starve for food. If the government has decided to keep the airport closed, then please do let banks to lend business loans so that they can pay their employees and keep the business running instead of closing them down. Thank you

Melville Olegasageram Thursday, 10 September 2020 09:31 AM

Mel . 10th Sep.2020 This country is being run now by the “ WISE “ men and women of Gotham City. What a pity!! God help us !!!

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Too early to re-open airports: Minister

Comments - 17

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