• Special quarantine procedure enforced
• All passengers to be closely monitored   

By Easwaran Rutnam   

A group of Sri Lankans and Indians arrived from New Delhi yesterday after receiving special clearance from the government, including the health authorities.    

Officials said that 20 Sri Lankans and 16 Indians had obtained clearance to arrive in Sri Lanka from New Delhi despite a travel ban on passengers from India.   Deputy Director-General (Public Health Services) at the Health Ministry, Dr. S. M. Arnold said that the Sri Lankans had sought permission to return after being stranded in Delhi. He said the Sri Lankans were mostly those who had travelled to India for medical reasons.   Arnold said that 16 Indians attached to the Indian High Commission had also arrived on the special flight.