Sri Lanka Police yesterday urged the public to refrain from harassing or humiliating foreign nationals in the country.

Speaking at a press conference held by the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak, DIG Ajith Rohana pointed out that there were several reports of foreign nationals being mistreated fearing COVID-19. “There is no need for undue panic at the sight of foreigners,” he said, adding that this reaction of the public would tarnish the goodwill of Sri Lanka as a friendly and hospitable tourist destination.

DIG Rohana also said this panic behaviour was mostly due to lack of knowledge about the virus.

“The tourism industry, which accounts for 6% of GDP, provides a large number of direct and indirect employment opportunities. This mistreatment of foreign nationals will impact negatively once the industry rebounds. Therefore, we urge the public not to panic and mistreat foreigners who are currently in the country,” he added.

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