Sri Lanka Drafts Operational Guidelines on Preparedness and Response For COVID-19

Preparing to resume tourism operations in Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has drafted a set of guidelines for the industry. The guideline outlines stringent measures on preparedness and response for COVID-19 outbreak and covers all the aspects of travel from arrival to departure of a tourist.

The operational guidelines thoroughly explain the regulations and precautionary measures which will be implemented once finalised. As per the guideline, entry procedure requires a prior booking of the tour package online or through an SLTDA registered travel agency. Having a confirmed booking in an SLTDA registered and COVID certified hotel is mandatory and a pre-requisite for Visa. Travellers are required to submit health insurance, tour booking details and a valid return ticket to obtain the visa. Visa on arrival will not be issued until an official announcement is made by the government of Sri Lanka.

Furthermore, a negative PCR report or positive antibody test taken two weeks prior to arriving in Sri Lanka must be uploaded with the visa application. If not, travellers are to produce one at the Colombo Airport on arrival. In addition to thorough disinfection procedures for body, luggage and travel documents, tourists would undergo temperature checks as well as a PCR test or Rapid test upon the time of arrival. Staff and passengers must wear face masks, maintaining social distancing norm, and using sanitizer frequently at the airport.

According to the draft guidelines, airport transfers will only be allowed through registered taxis, arranged buses, pre-approved vehicles. Travel options for tourists within the country includes tourist buses for tour groups, hired taxis from travel agencies or other registered taxis or registered rented vehicles. The use of public transport will not be allowed until further notice.

In addition to that, several measures have been proposed in the guidelines with regards to accommodation facilities, tourist facilities and services, travel agencies and tour operators, tourist activities and more.

Sri Lanka had been battling COVID-19 since late January 2020. As of yet, the country has seen 1028 cases of the virus and recorded 09 deaths, while 584 has recovered from it.

Feature image by asiatimesonline

In a strategic move to enhance the Maldives’ economic landscape, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu recently held a series of high-level meetings with prominent Malaysian business leaders during his official visit to Malaysia. These discussions, aimed at fostering greater bilateral cooperation, focused on key areas such as tourism, healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.

A key engagement was a meeting with Tan Sri Dr. Jeffrey Cheah, Founder and Chairman of the Sunway Group, one of Malaysia’s leading conglomerates. During the talks, they explored potential collaborations in tourism, education, and healthcare, with Dr. Muizzu emphasizing the Maldives’ growing appeal as an investment destination. Furthermore, the Sunway delegation showed strong interest in the Maldives’ robust investment climate, particularly in areas supported by the recently enacted Foreign Investment Act.

Additionally, the President met with Vincent Tan Chee Yioun, the founder of Berjaya Corporation Berhad, where they discussed expanding Berjaya’s footprint in the Maldives, particularly in the tourism sector. Notably, the Maldives’ well-established tourism industry, along with its strategic location, stood out as a key area for future collaboration. Moreover, the talks covered developments in infrastructure, focusing on the nation’s ongoing efforts to strengthen air connectivity and create a more conducive environment for foreign investors.

These interactions, in turn, form part of the Maldives’ broader strategy to attract sustainable investments and open new avenues for economic growth. With a renewed focus on eco-tourism, renewable energy, and digital transformation, the President’s meetings signal the nation’s readiness to welcome global partners.

As President Dr. Muizzu wrapped up his engagements, both the Maldivian and Malaysian business leaders expressed optimism about future collaborations, thus highlighting the Maldives’ potential as a thriving hub for investment in the Indian Ocean region.

Sri Lanka Drafts Operational Guidelines on Preparedness and Response For COVID-19

Feature image by asiatimesonline

Latest

President Dr. Muizzu Meets Malaysian Business Leaders to Explore Investment Opportunities

Barceló Nasandhura is open for guests: here’s why it should be your top choice in Malé

Heidi Grimwood Takes the Helm at ELE|NA as Senior Vice President

Canareef Resort Maldives Welcomes Leandra Worrell Carrington as Assistant Training Manager

President Dr. Muizzu Meets Malaysian Business Leaders to Explore Investment Opportunities