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BIA PCR test lab opens for arrivals tomorrow

23 Sep 2021

BY Dinitha Rathnayake The new polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing laboratory at the Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake will be opened tomorrow (25) for arriving passengers, with the aim of providing PCR test results within three hours. The PCR laboratory at the airport is located at the 18th Mile Post area in Katunayake. A total of 7,000 PCR tests will be conducted per day in this laboratory, at a rate of 500 PCR tests per hour. Accordingly, if the report of the PCR test from this laboratory is negative, and the tourist has received both doses of a Covid-19 vaccine, they can visit anywhere in Sri Lanka without any hindrance. The laboratory charges $ 40 for a PCR test from travellers. According to Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga, in the future, if necessary, Sri Lankans can also take the opportunity to obtain a PCR test from this laboratory by paying a certain amount. Although a private company has invested in it, the laboratory is fully owned by Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Pvt.) Ltd. The laboratory operates under a two-year management contract. Participating in the opening ceremony, Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said that amidst various allegations being levelled, necessary solutions have been provided to boost the tourism industry. “Tourism is a major factor in our economy as we are a country with a small economy,” he said. Ranatunga, who also participated in the event, noted: “There are three main ministries that bring in foreign exchange to the country. The Tourism Ministry is one of them. We appreciate the support given by Rambukwella in taking care of travel-related guidelines within a short timeframe.”


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