Govt. to up number of PCR tests to facilitate overseas arrivals

Prasanna Ranatunga

The government has decided to increase the number of PCR tests conducted daily in the country to identify the COVID-19 infected to facilitate overseas arrivals.

Tourism Minsiter Prasanna Ranatunga chaired a special discussion at the Ministry this week to expedite the repatriation of Sri Lankans and to increase the number of PCR tests conducted to ensure that tourists visiting the country are not infected with COVID-19.

At present the Ministry of Health (MoH) conducts about 15,000 PCR tests on a daily basis while the private sector conducts between 2,500 and 3,000 PCR tests daily.

As the airport is expected to officially open and commercial operations are expected to commence shortly, Minister Ranatunga pointed out that the number of PCR tests should be increased.

Accordingly, it was decided to increase the number of PCR tests conducted for migrant workers and tourists by 3, 000 each. 

Minister Ranatunga emphasized that Sri Lankans living abroad should be given priority in this regard.