Overseas returnees to be quarantined after PCR tests: President

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa 

• Says everyone will have opportunity to return to SL
• Medical lab to be established within airport premises
• Possibility to conduct PCR tests in relevant countries before people return to be looked at

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has instructed officials to send returnees from foreign countries for quarantine only after results of PCR tests conducted at the airport confirm they are negative for COVID-19, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said in a statement yesterday.

The President also said to accommodate them at a separate location equipped with all necessary facilities until test results are released.

The President issued these directives during a discussion with the members of the Task Force entrusted with COVID-19 control and medical consultants at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday.

Issues which emerged during the conduct of PCR tests and sending returnees from abroad, especially those who are from Middle East, to quarantine were discussed in depth at the meeting.

It was decided to set up a laboratory at the airport premises to speed up obtaining results of PCR tests. Since the pandemic may last for a considerable time, President Rajapaksa highlighted the importance of having such a facility at the airport.

It was also decided to explore the possibility of conducting PCR tests in the relevant countries with the direct mediation of the Sri Lankan Government, or with the support of those countries.

The early detection of the infected in this manner will ease difficulties that could arise when sending them to hospitals and quarantine.

President Rajapaksa said that opportunities should be made available as soon as possible for everyone who wishes to return to Sri Lanka.

Minister of Health Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Governor of the Western Province, Marshal of the Air Force Roshan Goonetileke, Principal Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Major General (Retired) Kamal Gunaratne, Secretary to the Ministry of Health Major General (Dr.) Sanjeewa Munasinghe, Commanders of Tri-Forces, Acting Inspector-General of Police, the members of the Task Force, Director General of Health Services and consultant doctors participated in this meeting.