Sri Lanka: Government maintaining coronavirus-related measures as of March 12 /update 42

Event

Sri Lankan authorities are continuing domestic measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 as of March 12. Most nonessential public gatherings are banned. Capacity controls continue at hospitality venues and on private transport. The use of facemasks remains mandatory in public. All private and public organizations must collect and update employee details to facilitate contact tracing if and when necessary. Authorities may reintroduce or implement stricter nationwide measures in the coming days and weeks.

Additionally, movement, business, and gathering restrictions are in force across high-risk areas; areas recently or currently designated as high-risk include parts of Ampara, Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kandy, Kurunegala, and Puttalam districts. Under curfew restrictions, all nonessential businesses except for specifically-permitted industries must close in designated areas. Essential shops, such as pharmacies and grocery stores, may open intermittently or provide delivery services. Officials advise those living in or with recent travel history to curfew areas to monitor their health and undergo COVID-19 tests if symptoms occur. Authorities may impose curfews on other neighborhoods in the coming days.

Travel Restrictions
Sri Lankan authorities have allowed international flights to resume to and from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI) in a limited manner. The online visa application system is operating for all nationalities. However, officials typically permit pre-approved flights with passenger capacity limits for logistics and health reasons. Arriving tourists must produce a negative result from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test taken no more than 96 hours before arrival. Tourists will undergo a second test upon arrival, a third test seven days after entry, and a fourth test if staying longer than seven days. Additional requirements for tourists include purchasing a recommended medical insurance policy and staying within approved premises, such as secure tourist sites, only. Travelers must stay at a Level 1 hotel and are allowed to leave the hotel but must remain within the confines of a predesignated bubble.

Approved nontourist arrivals, such as repatriating Sri Lankan nationals and permanent residents, must submit a COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours before departure and undergo another PCR test upon arrival. Such individuals typically undergo a 14-day quarantine at a designated facility; authorities may advise some 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 continue.

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