Basil tells health, aviation sectors to target BIA reopening for tourism by mid-January

Saturday, 12 December 2020 00:17 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

High-powered meeting addresses need to increase PCR testing capacity to accommodate influx of tourists and Lankans from overseas

By Charumini de Silva

Presidential Task Force on Economic Revival and Poverty Eradication Chairman Basil Rajapaksa

A high-level discussion chaired by Presidential Task Force on Economic Revival and Poverty Eradication Chairman Basil Rajapaksa yesterday resolved a few more issues, including the need to increase PCR capacity towards reopening of borders for international tourists by the second week of January.

Tourists will be welcomed in parallel to the repatriation of Sri Lankans from overseas without any interruption.

Noting that there were many countries that had already opened borders for international tourism with strict precautions, Rajapaksa told the high-powered meeting of health sector, tourism and aviation stakeholders that Sri Lanka could reopen its borders too by the second week of January.

He called on the officials to finalise the capacity of PCR tests that could be conducted and to expedite the final protocols to reopen borders and resume international tourist arrivals.

Health authorities informed that the maximum capacity of private sector health services to cater per day was only 3,000 PCR tests and emphasised the need to have a separate discussion with the private hospitals to explore if there was any possibility to increase the number of PCR tests.

During the meeting it was agreed to conduct PCR tests at the hotels where tourists had made reservations as well as via mobile units.

Among the top-level participants at yesterday’s discussion were Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga, Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Aviation State Minister D.V. Chanaka, Plantation Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals State Minister Prof. Channa Jayasumana, Other Infrastructure State Minister Nimal Lanza, Tourism Ministry Secretary S. Hettiarachchi, Health Ministry Secretary Dr. S.H. Munasinghe, Health Services Director General Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Sri Lanka Tourism Chairperson Kimarli Fernando, Immigration and Emigration Controller General U.V. Sarath Rupasiri, Civil Aviation Authority Chairman Upul Dharmadasa, Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Chairman Major General (Retd.) G.A. Chandrasiri, and Sri Lanka Customs Director General Major General (Retd.) Vijitha Ravipriya.