Coronavirus update - Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka

Following the recent Coronavirus outbreak, Sri Lanka is taking proactive measures to combat and prevent this potential epidemic. Working closely with the Chinese Embassy, a notice has been issued to passengers from the Hubei Province to cancel or postpone their travel plans to the island. Sri Lanka has also discontinued the ‘on arrival Visa facility’ for all Chinese passport holders. All travelers arriving at the Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo) from China will be screened in a designated area for high fever. A separate immigration counter has also been setup for these passengers, in a segregated area. Other passengers arriving from different countries will be randomly screened for high fever. All Sri Lankan Airlines and Airport staff have been briefed and advised to wear masks as a precaution. No visitors will be permitted inside the Airport and upon departure from The Bandaranaike International Airport, there will be random body temperature checks prior to departure.

As of date, (29th January 2020) there has been only one confirmed case of the Coronavirus (Chinese national), and 12 district base hospitals around the island have been prepared to deal with any possible future cases. The Ministry of Health has also introduced two hotlines +94 71 0 107 107 / +94 11 3 071 073 to respond to any emergencies or queries regarding the virus. In the meantime, certain hotels around the island have taken preventive measures to safeguard their guests and staff from this outbreak. Some of the preventive measures taken by certain hotels (Shangri La etc) include daily temperature checks for staff, temperature checks for guests at check-in, mandatory usage of face masks and gloves for all kitchen staff, and the availability of face masks for guests on request.

Sri Lanka had plans to accommodate a considerable volume of Chinese Tourists in conjunction with the Chinese Lunar New Year this year. As a result of this outbreak in China, a request made by the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka to Chinese Tour Operators to cancel all out-bound travel to Sri Lanka. As a result, most Chinese groups and individual travel has been cancelled.

Sri Lanka

The government of Sri Lanka is vigilant to ensure that the safety of all citizens and tourists a like are looked after during this time

If you have any guest travelling to Sri Lanka & you need further information, please contact your Travel consultant at Authenticities.

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