News
Army assures no shortage of quarantine centers
26 Apr, 2020
The Military says there is no shortage of quarantine centers in Sri Lanka.
Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha yesterday said over 27,000 Sri Lankans who are overseas have expressed their wish to return to Sri Lanka in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He further said that repatriations are being carried out identifying most vulnerable categories overseas due to the limited availability of quarantine facilities in Sri Lanka.
When inquired in this regard, Military Spokesman Brigadier Chandana Wickremesinghe assured there was no shortage of quarantine centers in Sri Lanka.
He told the Colombo Gazette that quarantine centers are constructed based on demand and on instructions from the Government.
Commenting on hotels that have offered to be converted as quarantine centers, the Brigadier said that a number of Army-run guest houses in Diyathalawa and a hotel in Waikkal in the North- Western Province are currently being operated as quarantine centers.
He said depending on the demand for quarantine centers, more hotels may be converted in the future based on Government instructions.
A total of 41 quarantine centers are available in Sri Lanka with only 28 currently in operation.
The Military Spokesman added Sri Lankans arriving from overseas are now requested to undergo a quarantine period of 14- 21 days, as some individuals have reportedly shown symptoms of the coronavirus after 20 days. (Colombo Gazette)
Recommended For You
