New guidelines for passengers arriving in SL from midnight today

28 September 2021 07:52 pm - 15 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

Fully vaccinated local and overseas passengers who had negative PCR test results done within 72 hours before their departure, are not required to be subject to an on arrival PCR test at the airport in Sri Lanka from midnight today, Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said.

He said all passengers should have received both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine before two weeks of their arrival.

The Health Ministry said in a communiqué that the decision was taken during a meeting at the Ministry chaired by Health Minister Rambukwella this evening.

The meeting was held at a request made by Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunge and was attended by higher officials of the Health and the Tourism Ministries.

Health Services Director General Asela Gunawardane said foreigners and overseas tourists who were not fully vaccinated would be allowed to travel to their hotels under bio-bubble and that they would be subject to a PCR test there.

He said however, Sri Lankans would be subject to a PCR test at the airport or at the hotel where they were staying and would be allowed to leave home based on the results of the PCR tests.

He said they will be subject to another PCR test on the 12th day and would be allowed to mingle with the society, only if the PCR test result is found negative.

He also said those who do not have home quarantine facilities could choose either state-run quarantine centres or hotels to undergo the mandatory 14-day quarantine.(Ajith Siriwardana)

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 15

Lalith Tuesday, 28 September 2021 08:03 PM

Then why did we have to establish such an expensive testing facility for passengers arriving via the BIA?

Ranaweera Tuesday, 28 September 2021 09:52 PM

Someone had to make some money thst is why.

Sam Silva Tuesday, 28 September 2021 10:32 PM

That is because the expensive test facility did not work and we do not know how to get it working.

Sam Silva Tuesday, 28 September 2021 08:19 PM

This could change any hour or any day.

Jeewes Jupiter Tuesday, 28 September 2021 10:16 PM

The fact that such a huge testing facility was developed at such an expense, just to be made obsolete overnight is an absolute crime! But then again, we are talking about SL after-all.

vince Wednesday, 29 September 2021 11:53 AM

No. We are talking about pohottuwa clowns running SL.

Devendra William Tuesday, 28 September 2021 10:37 PM

Millions of money was spent on the new airport PCR testing lab. The advertisement came on social media alone would have costed couple of millions. But the lab failed on the first day itself. This is how the tax payers money is wasted without any proper planning.

James Tuesday, 28 September 2021 10:42 PM

I arrived yesterday and had to pay USD 40, can I get a refund please.

Dilshan Perera Wednesday, 29 September 2021 12:09 AM

The new lab at BIA was a scam by tourism Prasanna Ranatunga staffed by incompetent unqualified henchmen to print fake PCR reports for ministers profit. Health ministry was not allowed to review it.. so health admin decided to remove PCR on arrival.. letting Ranatunga drown in his septic tank!

Bren James Wednesday, 29 September 2021 12:22 AM

**Fully vaccinated local and overseas passengers who had negative PCR test results done within 72 hours before their departure, are not required to be subject to an on arrival PCR test at the airport in Sri Lanka from midnight today, Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said.** And then it says...**He said however, Sri Lankans would be subject to a PCR test at the airport or at the hotel where they were staying and would be allowed to leave home based on the results of the PCR tests.** So ... Let me ask are you high on Canbis? This make no sense at all. There is a clear breakdown in communication between two departments. Please clarify.

vince Wednesday, 29 September 2021 12:58 PM

Maybe he is high on bribes.

Grace Wednesday, 29 September 2021 08:55 AM

Why should fully vaccinated Sri Lankans go for PCR test including those working in the Middle East. Do you want to grab money from the poor workers.

joshua Wednesday, 29 September 2021 09:34 AM

Tourism Ministry stinks.

Perera Wednesday, 29 September 2021 12:53 PM

They all stink

VJ Wednesday, 29 September 2021 01:38 PM

I arrived at the BIA one hour after the new guidelines came into effect. Fully vaccinated and a negative PCR obtained prior to commencing travel is all that is required. I was out of the airport in less than one hour. All the previous guidelines were only intended to rob the people.

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

New guidelines for passengers arriving in SL from midnight today

Comments - 15

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Most Viewed in News

Ranil Wickremesinghe caravan moves on despite barking dogs

SL on alert on possible genocide allegations by Canada

Sri Lankan among NASA’s new crew for next simulated Mars journey

Man who jumped off Sri Pada Uda Maluwa and went missing, found

Complaint lodged over Piumi Hansamali's possession of Gota’s Range Rover

Racing event tragedy leaves seven dead including eight-year-old child

MIRROR CRICKET

Sahan Arachchige to lead Sri Lanka ‘A’

Is Chamari Athapaththu Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketer ever?

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Sri Lanka to establish new energy sector regulator

Cabinet nod to transfer China-built Mattala airport’s management to Indian, Russian joint venture

Sajith never attends dinners hosted by Ranil Wickremesinghe

One soldier dead, nine injured in road crash

Sahan Arachchige to lead Sri Lanka ‘A’

Dates confirmed for 78th Bradby Shield

SLAS appoints independent committee for investigation

Pakistan lose key players for last two T20Is against New Zealand