Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka continuing to enforce COVID-19 restrictions as of Feb. 15 /update 40

Event

Sri Lankan authorities are continuing to enforce nationwide measures to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), as of Feb. 15. Authorities continue to enforce curfews in high-risk areas; areas recently or currently demarcated as high-risk include parts of Ampara, Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kandy, Kurunegala, and Puttalam districts. 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.

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. 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 areas not under curfew. 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 may impose curfews on additional neighborhoods in the coming days.

Other nationwide restrictions remain in effect. Most public gatherings are banned. Officials allow the operation of hospitality venues, public places, and public and private hire transport in noncurfew areas with restricted capacity. 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. Authorities are continuing to test people at exit points in Western Province; those who test positive will undergo quarantine and further medical examinations. 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.

Travel Restrictions
Sri Lankan authorities allowed international flights to resume to and from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI) from Jan. 21. Online visa application is open for entry. Arrivals from all countries are allowed entry except people flying from or who have spent time in the UK over the last 14 days. While flights have resumed, officials and air carriers may limit services for logistics or health reasons. Arriving tourists must receive a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result within 96 hours before arrival; arrivals will be tested again upon arrival, a third test seven days after entry, and a fourth test if the person is staying longer than seven days. Additional requirements include purchasing a recommended medical insurance policy and staying only within approved premises, such as secure tourist sites. Travelers must stay at a Level 1 hotel and are allowed to leave the hotel but must stay within the confines of a predesignated bubble.

Approved nontourist arrivals, such as repatriates, must submit a COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours before departure and undergo another PCR test upon arrival. Such 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 their health assessment. Foreigners already in Sri Lanka may apply to extend their visas. Most outbound passengers must take RT-PCR tests within 72 hours before departure; foreign nationals and holders of official or diplomatic visas may be exempt. International passenger ships such as cruises and ferries are barred indefinitely, though port operations for goods transport can continue.

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.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Ministry of Health Sri Lanka
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Tourism Board
Civil Aviation Authority Email Address