By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya 

The first group of Sri Lankans stranded overseas due to COVID-19 will arrive today at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Tourism and Aviation Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said. 

“Some 100 students stranded at universities in India and Pakistan will arrive in the island. Special flight UL-1208 of SriLankan Airlines will leave for Karachi today to bring the students,” he said during a visit to the airport to inspect preparations for this purpose. 

Commenting on this, Chairman of Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited, retired Major General G.A. Chandrasiri said the government had taken apt measures to bring back the stranded students in groups. 

“The students will be handed over to the security forces to be taken to quarantine centres after they complete body temperature and immigration processes. Their relatives will not be allowed to visit them at the airport,” he said.  

Meanwhile, Dr. Hemantha Herath who is in charge of the quarantine process said if anyone were found to be at risk of contracting the virus, he or she would be taken to hospital directly.