Industrial Exports and Investment Promotion, Tourism and Aviation Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said yesterday that tourists arriving in Sri Lanka from August 1 will be subjected to three PCR tests as a measure to prevent the spread of the COVID 19 pandemic in the country.

Addressing a media briefing held in Colombo yesterday, the Minister said that arrangements are being made to re-open the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake to international tourists from August 1.

Tourists are required to submit a PCR test report obtained from their respective countries prior to their departure. However, it is necessary to undergo a second PCR test on arrival in Sri Lanka at the BIA,” the Minister said.

These tourists will be housed at the hotels approved by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) in the vicinity of airports until the test results are issued. Subsequently, they have to undergo a third PCR test during their stay in Sri Lanka.

Although most of the countries have decided to reopen their airports from July 15, we had to delay the process as a result of the ongoing repatriation process. We expect to conclude the repatriation of Sri Lankans stranded overseas before August 1,” he added.

Source: https://www.dailynews.lk/2020/06/18/local/221003/three-pcr-tests-tourist-arrivals-aug1