Minister of Tourism, Hon. Prasanna Ranatunga has stated that future decisions regarding the closure of the airport or the restriction of tourist arrivals will be made in accordance with health recommendations.

The Minister made this observation addressing the media after the discussion held in Gampaha recently.

The Minister said that the state machinery including the health sector is ready to face the emerging situation due the changing variants of the Covid-19 virus.

Accordingly, decisions will be taken to limit the arrivals of tourists or to closure the airport in accordance with health recommendations, the Minister said.

Journalists also inquired about the arrival of tourists from India who are severely affected by the Covid-19 virus.

"Indian tourists come to Sri Lanka through the air travel bubble. We also discussed with India and took steps to limit the arrival of Indian tourists at this time.

"We cannot restrict the arrival of tourists all at once and close the airport. Overseas Sri Lankans have been given the opportunity to enter the country without any permission. The President has instructed that our foreign workers be given the opportunity to return to Sri Lanka without any disruption. If there is lack of accommodation in the quarantine centers, the arrival of foreign workers will have to be restricted. However, at present, the general public is not allowed to enter the airport. Only passengers can enter the airport", The Minister replied.