• Those who have negative PCR results after being fully vaccinated do not need another test at the airport

By Ajith Siriwardana

Fully vaccinated local and overseas passengers who had negative PCR test results done within 72 hours before their departure, are not required to be subjected to an on arrival PCR test at the airport in Sri Lanka from midnight yesterday, 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 statement that the decision was taken during a meeting held at the Ministry chaired by Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella last evening.

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

Health Services Director General Asela Gunawardane said foreigners and foreign tourists who were not fully vaccinated would be allowed to travel to their hotels under a 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 for their homes based on the results of the PCR test.  He said they were required to be subject to another PCR test on the twelfth day and would be allowed to mingle with the society only if the PCR was negative.

He also said those who do not have home quarantine facilities could choose either a state-run quarantine centre or hotel to undergo quarantine for 14 days.

• 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 for their homes based on the results of the PCR test