Sri Lanka: Authorities modifying COVID-19 restrictions as of Jan. 14 /update 38

Event

Sri Lankan authorities continue to modify restrictions to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Officials have changed some curfew areas in Colombo District. Authorities plan to reopen international airports for foreign arrivals, including tourists, from Jan. 21; further information on application procedures and the resumption of flights is likely in the coming week.

Officials are implementing strict controls in high-risk areas, mainly across Western Province. Testing will continue at exit points of the Western Province; those who test positive will undergo quarantine and further medical examinations. Local authorities are also implementing curfews in the following high-risk areas:

Colombo District: Aduruppu Street, Dam Street, Keselwatta, Kotahena, Maradana, Modara areas; Gothamipura Housing Scheme, 24 and 78 Watta, Gothamipura; Wanathamulla Grama Niladhari Division of Borella; Hata Watta in Cinnamon Gardens; Ferguson Road in Mattakkuliya; Demalawatta area of Mirihana; Hunupitiya and Wekanda Grama Niladhari Divisions in Slave Island; Mayura Place, Nazeerwatta areas in Wellawatte
Gampaha District: Welegoda-North Grama Niladhari Division in Kiribathgoda; 90-Watta in Gangabada Grama Miladhari Division, Nelligahawatta and Pooranakotu Watta areas of Peliyagoda

Parts of Ampara, Kalutara, Kandy, Kurunegala, and Puttalam districts are also under curfew. Authorities may impose curfews on additional neighborhoods in the coming days. Under curfew restrictions, all nonessential businesses except for permitted industries must close. Officials may mandate authorized employers to arrange transport and accommodation facilities for on-site workers in curfew areas. Essential shops such as pharmacies and grocery shops may open intermittently or provide delivery services. While residents are typically allowed to go outdoors for essential purchases, local officials may impose additional restrictions such as a total ban on outdoor activity, or an odd-even system that permits those with an even identity card number to exit homes on even days and those with an odd identity card number to leave home on odd days. Authorities are barring entry and exit to the areas until further notice; those employed in the regions may not return to their homes in noncurfew areas. Officials advise those living in or with travel history to curfew areas to monitor their health and undergo COVID-19 tests if symptoms occur.

Authorities are also maintaining nationwide measures in noncurfew areas. The use of facemasks remains mandatory in public. Only two people per household may exit homes each day unless for essential or authorized employment purposes. Officials allow operation of hospitality venues, public places, as well as public and private hire transport in noncurfew areas with restricted capacity.

Most public gatherings are banned. Officials have directed all private and public organizations to collect and update employee details to facilitate contact tracing if and when necessary. Authorities may reintroduce or implement stricter measures, especially in designated high-risk areas, depending on in-country cases. Panic-buying and associated localized shortages of essential goods may occur in areas under curfew. Sporadic clashes are possible if any group defies official orders. Police are likely to act quickly to control such incidents, which could prompt localized security-related disruptions.

Travel Restrictions
Inbound international commercial passenger flights are suspended; cargo and repatriation flights are operational. Authorities have suspended the issuance of all visa types, including electronic, landing, multiple-entry, and residential; previously issued visas stand canceled. Foreign nationals with diplomatic, official, and service passports are exempt from the controls. Prior approval for entry of foreign arrivals is required by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Those permitted to enter Sri Lanka must submit a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result taken within 72 hours of departure and undergo another PCR test upon arrival. Entrants typically undergo a 14-day quarantine at a designated facility; some may be advised to undergo an additional 14-day home quarantine based on health assessment. Foreigners already in Sri Lanka may apply to extend their visas. Inbound passengers are allowed to transit through Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) as long as they have a connecting flight leaving within 12 hours of arrival. All outbound passengers must take reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests within 72 hours before departure.

CMB continues to serve cargo transport, emergency repatriation, passenger transit, and international departures. International passenger ships such as cruises and ferries are barred indefinitely, though port operations for goods transport can continue. Charter flights are operational on a pilot basis for pre-approved tour groups, mainly from Ukraine, since December 2020.

The government will likely continue to modify restrictions in the coming days based on caseloads.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure that contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.