Health authorities object to proposal to reopen country for tourism before Aug. 1
Express concerns over India’s spike in COVID-19 cases Stakeholders agree to add US $ 65 into US $ 35 visa fee to recover PCR test cost
Sri Lanka is likely to stick with the originally announced date of August 1 to reopen the country for foreign travellers under strict guidelines as the health authorities had objected to the move to reopen the country anytime before, expressing concerns over the spike in COVID-19 cases in neighbouring India.
The key officials of the Tourism and Aviation Services Ministry, Health Ministry, Airport & Aviation Services Limited, Civil Aviation Authority, Srilankan Airlines as well as some representatives from other airlines took part in a crucial meeting to discuss the issues and concerns in regard to reopening of the airports for foreign travellers.
The meeting was chaired by Tourism and Aviation Services Ministry Secretary S. Hettiarachchi, in the absence of Minister Prasanna Ranatunga, who had to attend the weekly meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers.
Although the tourism and aviation authorities were in favour of reopening Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) before August 1,
the health authorities had raised concerns in rushing to open the country, while citing a spike in COVID-19 cases in neighbouring India.
Therefore, the government sources said that the country is likely to be opened for foreign travellers from August 1. The official announcement is expected to be issued within the next few days, after receiving the feedback from Ranatunga.
Further, the health authorities have also objected to the relaxation of the mandatory five-night stay to three nights, reasoning that a five-night stay is essential to perform PCR tests on arrival and before departing, to ensure the tourists are tested negative for COVID-19.
In addition, the stakeholders also agreed with the addition of US $ 65 into regular US $ 35 visa fee, to recover the costs of PCR tests. The private sector tourism stakeholders have objected to the move, citing that it would discourage tourist arrivals at this critical juncture, which is crucial for the industry’s survival.
However, an official from the Tourism and Aviation Services Ministry pointed out that even US $ 65 wouldn’t be sufficient to cover the costs of all three PCR tests, noting that one PCR test costs around Rs.8000 (US $ 43).
The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has agreed to bear the cost of PCR tests, with partial funding of the US $ 65 fee. The tourists who stay over 10 days are required to undergo three PCR tests, according to the current guidelines. Further, the tourists are also required to spend the first night at an accommodation nearest to the relevant airport. During their stay, the tourists are also required to use accommodations only at dwellings which have obtained the COVID-19-FREE certificate from the SLTDA and they will be barred from using public transport.
During the meeting, the state officials also appealed to the airlines to commence flights to Mattala International Airport to reduce congestions at BIA and to maintain the required health guidelines. The government expects to complete repatriation of Sri Lankans (mainly in Gulf countries) by July 15, enabling the country to reopen for tourists by August 1.