Lankans do not require prior approval to return to country: CASL Chairman

• Airport is equipped with the facility to perform around 3,500 PCR tests in a day

By T.K.G Kapila

 Sri Lankans seeking to return to the country do not need to obtain prior approval from the Foreign Ministry from December 26, Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CASL) Chairman Upul Dharmadasa said. He said  Lankans seeking repatriation were earlier had to obtain  prior approval for their return and to register with the Foreign Ministry.

"So far these Sri Lankans have been advised to register with the Foreign Affairs Ministry for clearance before landing," the Chairman said.

“However, the Sri Lankans who are contemplating to return using this opportunity should be subject to PCR tests,” he said.   "Airport is equipped with the facility to perform around 3,500 PCR tests in a day." Therefore, the number of Lankans arriving in the country is limited to a maximum of 3,500 per day", Mr Dharmadasa added.