Govt. considering opening of BIA before August 1: Minister

The government is considering the reopening of the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake prior to August 1,Tourism and Aviation Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said.

He emphasized that all those expecting to arrive in Sri Lanka will be brought back before the reopening of the Airport for the tourists.

The Minister said that the repatriation of Sri Lankan expatriates could be completed before August 1.

However, he said this has to be decided according to the availability of spaces at quarantine centers in the country.

"There are about 20,000 more Sri Lankans expecting to return. Already, at least 10,000 persons were brought and  are being quarantined. We hope to expedite this process," he said.

The Minister said that after the reopening of the airport for tourists, attention would be made to bring in tourists in groups. He said that all tourists should undergo PCR tests on their arrival.(Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya)