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After arrival ban is lifted: Russian tourists to be allowed

23 May 2021

  • Bio-security bubble will be operative: SLTDA Chair   

  • Decisions balancing economy, health of citizens: Chief Epidemiologist   

  By Yumiko Perera  Sri Lanka is set to allow Russian tourists to visit the country under the bio-security bubble concept after the temporary suspension on all passenger arrivals is lifted, The Sunday Morning learnt.  Speaking with The Sunday Morning, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairperson Kimarli Fernando said that tourists would be brought down based on the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health.   According to the SLTDA, tourists travelling under the bio-security bubble system would have to strictly adhere to the health guidelines that have been provided.  Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera, speaking to The Sunday Morning on the possibility of foreign variants of Covid-19 entering the country, said: "There is a possibility of foreign variants entering the country through this, and therefore, the best thing to do, given the present situation, is to halt arrivals temporarily. We also have to think practically, as this concerns the economy as well as the health and wellbeing of our people. A balanced decision needs to be taken in this regard."  The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Wednesday (19) said that all passenger arrivals would be suspended from Friday (21) midnight to 31 May midnight.  Attempts made by The Sunday Morning to contact Foreign Affairs Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and State Minister for Regional Co-operation Tharaka Balasuriya in this regard, proved futile.   


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