News

Covid testing at airport for fully vaccinated Sri Lankan returnees

16 Sep, 2021

Feature Image

Covid testing will be carried out at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for fully vaccinated Sri Lankan returnees from next week.

Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said that Sri Lankans who have received both jabs, will not be required to stay at a hotel to get the PCR test and result.

Instead, he says they will be tested at the airport and will be released if the result is negative.

Deputy Director General of Health Services, Dr. Hemantha Herath had said this week that a number of concerns had been raised over the time taken to issue PCR test results to passengers arriving in the country.

As a result, some passengers spend exorbitant sums of money to stay in a hotel just for one day until the test result is obtained.

Dr. Hemantha Herath said that there are some doubts over rapid tests as opposed to PCR tests.

He said that while rapid tests are carried out on passengers leaving Sri Lanka, a similar process has not yet been approved for passengers arriving in Sri Lanka.

However, he said that steps are being taken to have a system in place for rapid tests once the requirements are met.?(Colombo Gazette)

Recommended For You

Feature Image

Tamil Nadu fishermen plan stir against church in Katchatheevu

Fishermen associations in Tamil Nadu have planned a series of protests if the Indian Central Government does not stop Sri Lanka?s move to construct a new church on the Katchatheevu islet in the Palk Bay, The Hindu newspaper reported. Though the islet was handed over to Sri Lanka after an agreement, people from both India and Sri Lanka visit the annual festival of St. Antony Shrine. Fishermen from India are also allowed to dry fish and nets. M. Ilango, chairperson, National Fishworkers? Forum,

18 May, 2016

Feature Image

PM proposes forming PSC to discuss future of Srilankan

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today proposed forming a Parliament Select Committee (PSC) to discuss the future of Srilankan Airlines. The Prime Minister said the Government is ready to discuss the allegations raised on the National carrier and look for a way forward. Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake, meanwhile told Parliament, there is no move to privatise?Srilankan Airlines. He said the Government is looking at ways of addressing the losses the airline has suffered. (Colombo Gazette)

18 May, 2016

Feature Image

Low pressure system moves away but rain in some areas

The low pressure in the Bay of Bengal has developed into a depression and is located 280 km north of Kankasanturai. The department of meteorology said that the?rainy conditions over island, particularly in the North will gradually reduce during the next few days as the system is further moving away from the island. However, rain is expected to continue in the South-west part of the country and strong windy conditions, particularly in the sea areas around the island will also continue further.

18 May, 2016