25 April 2021 12:58 pm Views - 4888
Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said, despite the current Covid situation, airport operations and tourist arrivals will continue as per recommendations of the health authorities.
He said that no decision has been taken so far to restrict the repatriation of the Sri Lankans who are stranded abroad due to escalating Covid infections.
"As per the instructions of the Health authorities, all those arrive in Sri Lanka at the Airport are being subject to PCR test. As the result of that we have identified infected cases and ensured that they do not mingle with the society" he said.
He said the number of infected people arrive from abroad has increased in recent times due to the large number of migrant workers were flown in.
The Minister said, so far they have brought tourists into the country in a safer manner.
"If a tourist who came to Sri Lanka found to have been infected, he/she would be prevented from socializing. However, at present there is a lull in tourist arrivals. Nevertheless, we continue to follow the advice of the health sector,” he said.
He said that with the emergence of a third wave of Covid around the world, there is a restriction on tourist travel.
Minister Ranatunga said restricting tourist arrivals could affect the country's economy. "However, the President always advises to do what the country deserves. That is exactly what we do," he said.
Meanwhile, the minister said so far no decision has been taken to change the opportunity that is given to Sri Lankans living abroad to arrive the country.(Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya)