Remove mandatory Covid test reports for tourists: Udayanga

17 October 2022 10:04 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 12 Bookmark

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Former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia Udayanga Weeratunga who coordinates Russian tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka said he requested the health authorities to do away with mandatory requirement of carrying Covid test report for tourists.

Weeratunga told Daily Mirror that Sri Lanka could not compete with other countries in the attraction and promotion of tourism .

The Health Ministry circular says ,” unvaccinated /partially vaccinated persons of 12 years and above should mandatorily carry a negative COVID-19 PCR test report done within 72 hours prior to embarkation OR Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) report done within 48 hours prior to embarkation. Self-swabs are not allowed.

They will be exempted from-on arrival (Day One test). Persons with a history of COVID-19 infection more than 6 months before date of departure with a single dose of a two-dose vaccine are NOT considered as fully vaccinated and should arrive with a negative pre-boarding COVID-19 test.

They will be exempted from the on arrival (Day One test),”.(Kelum Bandara)

Comments - 12

Sokrates Monday, 17 October 2022 10:28 AM

Why isn't this shite-ingesting shitestain criminal Rajapaksa Henchman behind bars yet. He looted Sri Lanka on behalf of the mafia clan with the MIG Deals, whereby a large slice was cut off for himself as well. Does he now want to contaminate the country again with Corona to get more commission? Only Russians should be allowed into the country who can prove at least two corona vaccinations in their international vaccination book (but not with Russian or Chinese vaccines).

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Tissa Fernando Monday, 17 October 2022 10:44 AM

No country is asking for covid test reports from tourists which are generally not very effective in controlling covid when no one in the country is not interested in other precautions. This will only deter tourists from coming here. Remove all covid restrictions and learn to live with that.

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Channa De Silva Monday, 17 October 2022 11:02 AM

One pillar amongst many who bankrupt the nation. Let's take his advice and our tourism will flourish. Tourism revival plans between MIG Udayanga and GANJA Diana, our foreign reserves should be around 2.9B dollars and we don't even need the IMF loan !!!

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johan Monday, 17 October 2022 11:36 AM

Gota and this shit should be behind bars. Our Law enforcement officers wait till they find escape route.Why can't they finish the MIG deal case when both suspects are in SL.This will be another Nirupma and Arjun Mahendran case

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Jayantha Monday, 17 October 2022 11:36 AM

What he is saying is correct. Recently we visited 6 European countries. Not a single country has requested COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate during our visit. A large majority of Americans and Europeans agree that we will never fully be rid of the virus in their lifetime (85%) and that COVID-19 changed their lives forever (88%). At the same time, 82% say we are in a better place than we were a year ago when it comes to COVID. To increase the tourist numbers it is essential for us to dump these.unnecessary hurdles and restriction

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Aquarius Monday, 17 October 2022 12:13 PM

This is typical of how the Rajapakse clan operate through their greed and twisted minds. How on earth can any sane responsible man make such a stupid request? Every single move from this guy is about making money through shady deals and this one is no exception.

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Dunupala Kanasinha Monday, 17 October 2022 12:35 PM

He brings Russian tourists but cannot go there as they are awaiting for him to award!! This is the safest land for him with Ponna, Hora Raja!!

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Chris Monday, 17 October 2022 01:04 PM

Why is this criminal even given a platform to voice his idiotic opinion?

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Nihal S Monday, 17 October 2022 02:03 PM

If you are fully vaccinated and able to show the certificate - no one is asking for COVID test results. This is requested only for those who are not vaccinated and should be continued.

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Lion Monday, 17 October 2022 03:46 PM

This A grade rouge who embezzle millions of dollars through MiG deal is back on the track thanks for the leader of 134 pohottu goons. What best you could expect for Srilanka from these plunderers.

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firdhous Monday, 17 October 2022 04:51 PM

It would be better to introduce immune booster syrup and a flue control leaflet to those who fly to Sri Lanka. Since people travel in air tight environment where there is no inward and out word air circulation within an airplane for long hours, and lack of comfortable sleep, the possibility of virus growth and virus spread is very high. So it is time to take care of air passengers and provide them with necessary advise and nourishment.

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Razlin Monday, 17 October 2022 06:03 PM

There is no COVID 19 requirement for anyone coming to lanka currently

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