Govt. continues to facilitate departure of foreign nationals | Sunday Observer

Govt. continues to facilitate departure of foreign nationals

29 March, 2020

At least 2,000 people are continuing to leave to their country of origin in ferry-flights, Retired Major General G. A. Chandrasiri, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka said.

Some of them include locals who are travelling for various reasons he added.

It comes amidst stern measures taken by the Government to tackle the spread of COVID 19.The Bandaranaike International Airport is shut down for incoming passengers till March 31.

“On Friday (27) about 2,190 people left in 13 flights,” he said explaining that they aim to continue to facilitate the departures.

The authorities permitted thousands of foreign tourists to use their flight tickets as curfew passes as the curfew is strictly imposed in all parts of the country.

According to sources nearly 18,000 foreign tourists are stranded in the country.

In a communique Sri Lanka Tourism stated that it was closely working with the Foreign Ministry and respective Embassies and/High Commissions to arrange necessary facilities for the tourists currently in the island.

“Though arrivals are suspended all departures are supported and Srilankan Airlines operates departure flights daily to UK, Melbourne and Narita,” Sri Lanka Tourism said, adding that, they would facilitate any country to fly out their nationals on holiday or on work here; back to their home country via charter flights on request.”

Those unable to find transport to get to the airport, please contact the closest Police Station or Sri Lanka Tourism 24/7 hotline on 1912.

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