Sri Lanka Tourism makes arrangements to fly out over 18,000 tourists

Sri Lanka Tourism said yesterday that arrangements have been made for the departure of 18,093 foreign tourists currently in the country, via charter flights, on request.

“As of 25 March, there are approximately 18,093 international tourists in the country according to immigration authorities, and Sri Lanka Tourism is working closely with the Foreign Ministry and respective embassies/high commissions to arrange necessary facilities,” Sri Lanka Tourism Chairperson Kimarli Fernando said in a statement.

The statement also said that Sri Lanka Tourism will facilitate any country to fly out their nationals on holiday or working here back to their home country via charter flights, on request. Though arrivals are suspended into the country, all departures are supported, and SriLankan Airlines operates departure flights daily to the UK, Melbourne, and Narita.

“If you are a service provider in the hospitality industry currently hosting international tourists, we kindly request you to support tourists with airport transportation. Due to the current curfew in the country, the Acting Inspector General of Police has assured that the air ticket could be used in lieu of a curfew pass for the passengers as well as the vehicle and driver,” she said in the statement.

Tourists who are unable to find transport to get to the airport could contact the closest Police Station or Sri Lanka Tourism 24/7 hotline on 1912.