Sri Lanka Tourism arranges to fly out 18,000+ tourists

Thursday, 26 March 2020 14:59 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka Tourism said today arrangements had been made to depart 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 closely working with the Foreign Ministry and respective embassies/high commissions to arrange necessary facilities,” Sri Lanka Tourism Chairperson Kimarli Fernando said in a statement. It also said that Sri Lanka Tourism would facilitate any country to fly out their nationals on holiday or on work 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.