Sept 17, Colombo: Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga says that the airport will not be reopened until they receive confirmation from the Ministry of Health that COVID-19 epidemic has been brought under control 100 percent.

Speaking to the media after a meeting of the District Coordinating Committee at the Gampaha District Secretariat, the Minister pointed out that although the government had controlled the COVID-19 epidemic, the people could not be allowed to take any risks.

However, the Minister said that everything was ready for the opening of the airport and that the recommendations of the Health Department were essential for that.

“We could not endanger the people in the country and in addition we could not avoid bringing in Sri Lankans abroad hoping to return to the country,” he said.

He said that all these activities were being carried out under good control and that the COVID-19 epidemic would not be allowed to enter the country for any reason. Due to this, everything has to be strictly controlled, he said.

He said that the recommendations regarding the opening of the airports have been submitted to the Cabinet and that Mattala and Katunayake airports are ready to be opened. Accordingly and the Ministry is expecting the approval of the Health Department.

The international airports are currently operating for repatriation and cargo flights.