PCR testing facility at BIA malfunctions; restoration very soon: Minister

25 September 2021 04:50 pm - 13 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The rapid PCR testing facility established at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), which was to kick off today, has malfunctioned due to a technical failure in the system, Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said.

He told the Daily Mirror that the PCR testing facility was scheduled to function for tourists from today but unfortunately, the system encountered a technical fault.

After addressing the fault, PCR tests will be done in a day or two, the Minister said.

Moreover, the Minister denied the chaotic situation which was reported at the airport today, where tourists were alleged to be sent to hotels for quarantine, instead of allowing them to take the rapid PCR test.

"The tourists who are scheduled to visit the country have made the pre-bookings for accommodations such as hotel facilities, transport, PCR tests etc. The tourists who landed today with their pre-booked arrangements were dispatched to the hotels. The tourists who were not subject to PCR tests at the testing facility at the airport were sent to hotels," Minister Ranatunga said. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)

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Comments - 13

CHOLMONDELEY PINTO Saturday, 25 September 2021 04:58 PM

The ministers brain appears to have suffered a technical failure. Why was this equipment not tested before the opening.

Labby Saturday, 25 September 2021 05:04 PM

The tourism Minister is an open faced liar. A shameless man.

roobarbie Saturday, 25 September 2021 05:07 PM

Very conveniently malfunctioned I bet. Who is getting buckshee from hotel industry underhand. Is this a UNP SBJ conspiracy to discredit the governement.

Brit Saturday, 25 September 2021 05:18 PM

And you still think we are going to pay 40 dollars for a PCR test??????

Anthony Saturday, 25 September 2021 05:33 PM

Mr Minister don't lie you all who opened the unit are a big talkers and trying to gain popularity , today so many known people arrived and faced the consequences.

Thanh Saturday, 25 September 2021 05:49 PM

Should have tested before declaring opened but nothing is normal these days so purely blaming the minister isn't perhaps fair due to the world we are living in

applaud Saturday, 25 September 2021 05:53 PM

comical this incompetent gov everything they touch gets sold or broken

Gb Saturday, 25 September 2021 07:15 PM

Lock him up for lying to the public/media, he is putting all of our lives at risk for his commissions, they are all traitors, those who Rob sl and its people for their own gain, lock them up and strip them of any assets they can't prove was made legally

ravin Saturday, 25 September 2021 08:41 PM

malfunctioned of few wallets? Isn't it?

Haha Saturday, 25 September 2021 08:58 PM

Was this equipment from china?

Grace Saturday, 25 September 2021 09:09 PM

It is a delaying tactic to help ruling party politicians' cronies to earn money at least for another few days

Moiez Mohamed Saturday, 25 September 2021 11:46 PM

Mr. Tourism minister were you sleeping, before you installed the machine why they didn't check the equipment and I'm sure it's a game of the authorities and the hotel owners that they don't get the tourists and locals for their hotels as you had informed that the PCR test will be done at airport upon arrival, first wash your brain and use it before you tell the public. Let the people go home straight to hospital and get their PCR done.

Sjva Soma Sunday, 26 September 2021 12:00 PM

Nothing " NAL"(good) function, all malfunction.

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PCR testing facility at BIA malfunctions; restoration very soon: Minister

Comments - 13

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