Although it was initially planned to reopen the Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport for tourists from August 01, government sources say that this is likely to be postponed.

It has become unable to reopen the airport because it has become impossible to complete the repatriation of Sri Lankans overseas, by August 01.

PCR tests are done on arrivals at the BIA and according to the ministry of Tourism, Aviation and Investment Promotion, passengers of only 03 flights can be subjected to PCR testing during a day, at the present.

It is reported that 52,401 Sri Lankan expatriates are prepared to return to Sri Lanka but only around 12,000 have been repatriated so far.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that the Director General of Health Services – Dr. Anil Jasinghe has appointed a technical committee with regard to the opening of the airport and country for tourists.

The committee will comprise medical specialists as well as officials from Sri Lankan Airlines, Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka), Tourism Board and Civil Aviation Authority.

The report of the panel will be presented to Dr. Jasinghe who will subsequently hand it over to president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, reports say.