The Minister said this addressing the media after a discussion held in Gampaha yesterday (28).

The Minister said that the state machinery including the health sector has the potential to tackle the prevailing situation of the pandemic and accordingly, decisions will be taken to restrict the tourist arrivals or to close the airport in accordance with health recommendations.

In relation to the arrival of Indian tourists in Sri Lanka, Minister Ranatunga said that Indian tourists come to Sri Lanka through the travel bubble system and further considering the current situation in India various restrictions have been imposed on tourists arriving from India.

He further added that more migrant workers arrive in Sri Lanka than tourists at the moment and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has instructed to repatriate migrant workers without any hindrances.