By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

A Joint Committee has been appointed to prepare preliminary plans for the opening of the airport in accordance with the health guidelines and the preparation of the health guidelines required for development of the tourism industry.  

The Joint Committee consists of officials from the Ministry of Health and members of the Ministry of Tourism, as well as members of the tourism sector.  

As per the decisions of the committee, further steps will be taken to bring foreign tourists to the country.  This was revealed at a special discussion held at the Health Ministry yesterday on the opening of airports for foreign tourists. Ministers Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Prasanna Ranatunga and State Minister Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle attended the discussion.  Health Ministry Secretary Major General Sanjeewa Munasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism S. Hettiarachchi, Tourism Development Authority Chairman Mrs. Kimali Fernando also participated in the meeting.  The discussion was attended by the Heads of Epidemiology Division, Health Authorities, Airport and Aviation Company, Tourism Development Authority and Hotel Experts and Heads of the Ministry of Tourism.