17 December 2020 07:26 pm
Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said that the programme to repatriate Sri Lankans who are stranded overseas will continue once the airport operations resume.
He said that priority would be given to flights to fly the Sri Lankans back, though the airport will be opened for tourists.
Minister Ranatunga said with the announcement that the country will be opened to tourists, some parties are trying to spread fear psychosis among the Lankan workers overseas, who are waiting to return.
The Minister pointed out that nearly 50,000 Sri Lankans have already been brought to the country and steps will be taken to bring the rest of the registered workers to the island.
"More than 50,000 Sri Lankans expecting to return to the country. I strongly believe that the Government will definitely give priority to bring them," he said.