All passengers arriving at BIA to undergo PCR test PCR laboratory to be established at airport

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

All passengers arriving at the at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) would be subjected to the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test and that a PCR laboratory will be established at the Airport in this regard, Minister of Industrial Export, Investment Promotion, Tourism and Aviation Services Prasanna Ranatunga said.   
Accordingly, the Chairman of the Airport Major General (Rtd.) G. A. Chandrasiri agreed to reserve the location and provide the necessary facilities with the assistance of the health sector.   

The Minister said that the laboratory will be established at the airport within the next few days.   Ministers Prasanna Ranatunga, Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Army Commander Shavendra Silva and Health, Airport and Security Officers visited the Bandaranaike International Airport to inspect the steps and measures taken so far to prevent Covid-19 infected persons from entering the country.   

Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi said that the security forces, health services and airport staff working at the airport have taken necessary steps to protect themselves from the virus. She said that she was 100% satisfied with the airport’s health protective system.   

Minister Prasanna Ranatunga stated that the Health and Security Sector’s attention was focused on the reopening of the airport on the instructions of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.   

He said Sri Lankan expatriates will be brought to the country from overseas till the end of July and that the airport is scheduled to reopen for tourists in early August.   

He said strict measures would be taken in the future to prevent Covid-19 from entering the country.   

The laboratory will be established at the airport within the next few days