COLOMBO (NewsRadio); The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority says no changes have been made to the COVID-19 protocols that were in place since December 2022 for tourists.
The SLTDA said all regulations as of December 2022 will remain in place despite last week’s communication.
On the 7th of December, the Ministry of Health lifted all restrictions imposed during the height of the COVID-19 crisis on persons arriving in the country.
The Health Ministry said, persons entering the country via any airport or sea port will no longer be required to present a COVID-19 vaccination certificate.
However, on the 14th of January, the SLTDA said considering the increase in coronavirus cases in several countries, Sri Lanka has decided to introduce new COVID-19 protocols and procedures for all inbound travelers.
The Authority said accordingly all inbound travelers must be in possession of a vaccination card and those who are not vaccinated against COVID-19, will be required to produce a PCR report obtained 72 hours prior to arrival.
However, Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella then reacted to the announcement and said Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 protocols and procedures remain unchanged despite the notice by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority.
Health Minister Rambukwella said despite the SLTDA statement and media reports, no changes have been made to the COVID-19 protocols by the Health Ministry.
The SLTDA said accordingly, the decision has been deferred till the 20th of January.
The SLTDA now has announced that after consulting with health authorities, it has decided to maintain the protocols that were in place since the 7th of December for all inbound travelers.
