7 January 2021 05:57 pm
An effective mechanism is to be introduced to stop the transmission of COVID-19 virus from the visiting tourists to the locals, Army Commander General Shavendra Silva said.
Speaking to journalists, he said the recent decision to bring foreigners to Sri Lanka since last December 26, was an experimental move and a pilot project.
“We hope this move would show some positive signs to bring more tourists to Sri Lanka as it vastly facilitates the tourism industry in Sri Lanka,”
“Nearly two million people, who depend on the tourism industry, have been in dire straits for the last eight months without being able to find resources for their living. Hence, we are of the view that bringing tourists to Sri Lanka under a proper mechanism would boost the tourism industry,” Army Commander underlined.
Meanwhile, he said they were also keen on repatriating more Sri Lanka migrant workers and stranded Lankans to the country as instructed by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
“We have informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that the volume of bringing migrant workers and stranded Lankans would be increased,” he said..
“Accordingly, more stranded Lankans would be brought to Sri Lanka on daily basis from Sunday (10),” Army Commander added. (Sheain Fernandopulle)