The Task Force Committee entrusted with COVID-19 mitigation has presented a proposal to the President to reopen airports for foreign tourists from the 1st of August as the country is gradually returning to normalcy.

It is a remarkable achievement that not a single infected person was reported from the community after April 30 to date, the Committee members have pointed out.

The COVID-19 Prevention Task Force Committee was convened under the patronage of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat today (26) to discuss ways and means to revive the tourism industry which was badly affected by the pandemic.

President has highlighted the necessity of following health guidelines issued by international and local health experts in the event of opening the country for tourists. There is a possibility to be at the forefront of tourism revival, provided a well-planned strategy is in place and the steps should be taken under the guidance of tourism and health professionals on a priority basis, President has said.

Under the first phase, it was decided to open hotels and restaurants registered under the Tourism Development Authority for in-house dining. Based on its progress, steps will be taken to gradually open unregistered eateries under the assistance and supervision of the Army and Public Health Officers. President has advised relevant officials to set up Tourists Police units comprising those who are fluent in foreign languages giving priority to popular tourist destinations.

“In order to attract tourists, it is necessary to have a proper understanding of their preferences. Some prefer the beach while some enjoy seeing archaeological sites and wildlife. Some tourists are interested in scenic beauty. Tourist promotion activities should be planned accordingly”, President has added.

Minister of Health Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Prasanna Ranatunga, Secretary to the President P.B. Jayasundera and members of the Presidential Task Force for control of COVID-19 Outbreak attended the meeting, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.