Sudden removal of PCR testing at BIA: AMS writes to Health DG

The Association of Medical Specialists (AMS) in a letter to the Director General of Health Services Dr Asela Gunawardane stressed the gravity of the decision to remove PCR testing for arrivals at the Bandaranayake International Airport.

Accordingly, the Government has now issued new guidelines enabling tourist arrival without the on arrival PCR test, but purely relying on "Vaccine card for 2 dose vaccination" and "PCR report obtained Within 72 hours prior to the arrival."

AMS President Dr Lakkumar Fernando said thw decision highly dangerous as there is no foolproof method of ascertaining the reliability and the authenticity of such reports done outside Sri Lanka which can easily lead to spread of dangerous variant of Covid 19 from BIA.

"There were many reports of fake vaccination certificates, false PCR reports not only in Sri Lanka but also in the developed countries. In such scenario there is no scientific rationale of skipping the mandatory PCR testing at BIA, especially a recently purpose built facility is available at the airport for PCR testing," he pointed out.

Further, Dr Fernando said it will also allow dangerous variants to reach the country, totally destroying the hard earned control they had achieved so far with major sacrifices from all the sections of our society.

"Therefore, we as AMS appeal to you to revisit this dangerous situation with the participation relevant experts and take appropriate decisions whilst keeping safety of our nation as the utmost priority," he added.