(COLOMBO, LANKAPUVATH) –Industrial Exports, Investment Promotion, Tourism and Aviation Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said that a PCR laboratory will be immediately established at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) to carry out PCR tests for Covid-19 on every passenger arriving at the airport.
Minister Ranatunga said this while engaged in an observation tour on Thursday at the BIA to scrutinize the steps and measures taken so far to prevent Covid-19 infected people from entering the country.
Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi and Army Commander Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva together with Health, Airport and Security officers were also present on the occasion.
Minister Prasanna Ranathunga stated that the Health and Security sectors’ attention was focused on reopening the BIA on the instructions of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The Minister said that Sri Lankan expatriates will be brought to the country until the end of July and the airport is expected to be opened to foreign tourists in early August. The Minister also noted that future measures will be taken with regard to the health of the passengers as well as airport security and health personnel.
Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi said that she was 100% satisfied with the airport’s health care system.
“All measures have been taken by the Airport, Health and Security staff to prevent Covid 19 at the BIA and the Airport staff is also taking necessary steps to protect against Covid-19,” she said.
