Despite current COVID-19 situation Airport operations and tourist arrivals to continue: Minister

• Restricting tourist arrivals would affect the country’s economy
• No decision so far to restrict repatriation of Sri Lankans
• Number of infected among arrivals has increased in recent times
• With the emergence of a third wave of Covid around the world, there is a restriction on tourist travel

 By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said that despite the current COVID-19 situation, airport operations and tourist arrivals will continue as per the instructions of the health authorities. 

He said that no decision has been taken so far to restrict the repatriation of Sri Lankans from abroad due to the increase in the number of COVID-19 infections.   

“As per the instructions of the Health authorities, all those arriving in Sri Lanka at the Katunayake Airport have been subjected to PCR test so far. Accordingly, we have identified the infected and ensured that they are not contacted with the society,” he said.   

He said the number of infected people who arrived from abroad has increased in recent times due to a large number of migrant workers were brought in.   

The Minister said that so far they have brought tourists into the country in a safe manner.   “If a tourist who came to Sri Lanka was infected, they were prevented from socialising. However, at present, there is a decrease in tourist arrivals. We follow the advice of the health sector,” he said.   He said that with the emergence of a third wave of Covid around the world, there is a restriction on tourist travel.   

Minister Ranatunga said that restricting tourist arrivals would affect the country’s economy. “However, the President always advices us to do good for the country. That is how we act”, he said.   

Meanwhile, the minister said that so far no decision has been taken to change the opportunity given to Sri Lankans living abroad to return to the country.

• Those arriving in Sri Lanka at the Katunayake Airport have been subjected to PCR tests so far
• If a tourist who came to Sri Lanka was infected, they were prevented from socialising