21 Lankan students in China return to SL following coronavirus outbreak

The Sri Lankan students were expected to arrive at the Bandaranaike International Airport late yesterday  

A group of 21 Sri Lankan students left China for Sri Lanka yesterday, with students from Sichuan and other parts of China, including 30 from Nanning, being transported to airports by bus, following the coronavirus outbreak in China.

Those who are returning from China are requested to attend regular medical screenings and be vigilant about their body temperature. They are also requested to wear face masks for at least 20 days.

According to a statement by the President’s Media Division, the evacuation process is being coordinated by the President’s Office, Foreign Relations Ministry, Health Ministry, Embassy of Sri Lanka in China, and SriLankan Airlines.

Information on all Sri Lankan students in China have been gathered, and the National Action Committee appointed to prevent the spread of coronavirus held discussions yesterday on safety measures to be implemented in the country.

The Civil Aviation Authority has also dedicated a separate terminal at the Bandaranaike International Airport for passengers arriving from China as a precautionary measure.

A statement issued by the Foreign Affairs Ministry yesterday stated that there were approximately 860 students in China, and that an application has been submitted by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in China to land a SriLankan Airlines flight in Wuhan City Airport to airlift 32 local students and their family members. Discussions are underway with the Chinese Government to bring down Sri Lankan students in Wuhan, which is still on lockdown.