16 October 2020 09:21 am
The application of strict COVID-19 health restrictions under the ‘air- bubble concept’ will be in force when US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo undertakes his visit of Sri Lanka later this month, a top government source said yesterday.
The source said the same was applied during bilateral negotiations between the top-level Chinese delegation and the Sri Lankan leaders – President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa last week. The delegates wore K 95 face masks, maintained social distancing and occupied a restricted area of their hotel during their short stay in the country.
According to the source, health restrictions under the same air -bubble arrangement would be in place in view of the highest level visit of a delegation from the United States in five years.
Mr. Pompeo will be in the country on October 28. During his visit, he is slated to hold talks with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Foreign Relations Minister Dinesh Gunawardane.
The source also said an advance team would arrive in the country from the United States to lay the groundwork for Mr. Pompeo’s visit, and the members would be required to undergo PCR testing.
The countries have worked out air-bubble arrangements with each other to facilitate international travel amid COVID-19 pandemic. (Kelum Bandara)