Legal action on travel agencies if tourists violate health guidelines: Minister

6 January 2021 07:04 am - 9 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Legal action will be taken against the respective travel agencies if tourists violate health guidelines when visiting Sri Lanka.

Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said that a request was made to bring tourists to Sri Lanka last month under a pilot project.

He said that three travel agencies had agreed to charter Ukrainian tourists to Sri Lanka and the Ukrainians who arrived in Sri Lanka were arranged by these agencies.

Ranatunga said that legal action will be taken in future on travel agencies if tourists violate the health guidelines when visiting Sri Lanka.

He also said that tourists will not be allowed to enter Sri Lanka through those respective travel agencies.

The Minister admitted that there were shortcomings from the pilot project initiated last month but insisted that they will be addressed before the airports reopen this month.

The Tourism Minister said that 14 locations have been identified where the tourists will be able to visit after being cleared in a PCR test, including the Temple of the Tooth (Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy.

He also said that the tourist sites will not be closed for locals when foreigners visit the area.

However, steps will be taken to ensure locals and foreigners do not have close interaction. (EASWARAN RUTNAM)

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Comments - 9

German Wednesday, 06 January 2021 10:46 AM

We will stay at home. There is a pandemy, you know?

Raj Wednesday, 06 January 2021 10:59 AM

So the tourists should be treated like how we take school children on a day trip to any local attractions!

Awaiting Wednesday, 06 January 2021 11:46 AM

That means you're going to take legal action against the Ukrainian tourists and travel agent.

Fullee Wednesday, 06 January 2021 12:53 PM

Why allow travel agencies in the first place if u know tourists are gonna spread corona?

Eichmann Bernhard (Germany) Wednesday, 06 January 2021 01:36 PM

How should tour operators know the covid 19 guidelines if the Sri Lankan government fails to inform tour operators. The contact between the Sri Lankan government and the tour operators is very poor.

Sam Wednesday, 06 January 2021 01:39 PM

What about legal action on you and your cronies not wearing masks at the airport?

Ramesh Wednesday, 06 January 2021 08:29 PM

Do you have courage to take action against Udyanga?

Stingray Thursday, 07 January 2021 07:23 AM

How easily these buggers pass the buck!

European Friday, 08 January 2021 11:52 PM

European: We will stay at home. There is a pandemy, you know? Open your eyes! And then we will rescue our tourism industry not yours...

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Legal action on travel agencies if tourists violate health guidelines: Minister

Comments - 9

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