Sri Lanka: Government imposes further movement restrictions through May 31 due to COVID-19 activity /update 51

Event

Sri Lanka has imposed a new slate of bans on nonessential vehicular and public movement due to COVID-19 activity. The curbs will be in force nationwide nightly between the hours of 23:00-04:00 May 18-21, and again from May 28-31. Periods of continuous movement restrictions will be imposed from 23:00 May 21 through 04:00 May 25 and from 23:00 May 25 through 04:00 May 28. During the defined time frames, residents must stay home except unless attending to essential, emergency, or employment-related tasks. People exiting their homes for permitted activities during the restrictions period must adhere to an odd-even rule; those with national identity cards or passports ending in an even number may go out on even dates and vice versa. Persons tending to emergencies and essential workers with valid employment passes are typically exempt from such curbs. Cargo transit, delivery services, and industrial operations may continue during the restricted periods.

Previously existing business, gathering, and transport restrictions remain in effect under a Level Three alert through May 31. Nonessential inter-provincial travel remains suspended nationwide; public transport services along such routes are limited to use by essential workers. Private and public gatherings are banned, except for permitted events. Transport services and most establishments are operating at a maximum of 50 percent capacity; grooming and recreational facilities are closed. The use of facemasks remains mandatory in public. All workplaces must utilize telecommuting to the extent possible; they must also collect and update employee details to facilitate contact tracing if and when necessary. Officials may reintroduce or implement stricter nationwide measures in the coming weeks.

Additionally, security forces continue to enforce curfews across areas at high risk for COVID-19 transmission. 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 that those living in or with recent travel history to curfew areas monitor their health and undergo COVID-19 tests if symptoms occur. Such measures will likely continue in Anuradhapura, Colombo, Galle, Gampaha, Hambantota, Jaffna, Kalutara, Kandy, Kurunegala, Puttalam, and Trincomalee districts, due to elevated disease activity.

Travel Restrictions
Sri Lankan authorities are indefinitely banning entry for passengers with travel history to India within the previous 14 days. Travelers from India may transit through Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) to destinations outside of Sri Lanka but cannot enter Sri Lanka. International flights to and from CMB and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI) are operational. An online visa application system is operating for nationals of most foreign countries. Permitted entrants must quarantine for 14 days at a designated facility, regardless of nationality or vaccination status. The measure, which also applies to diplomats and officials, is in effect through at least May 31. Outbound passenger flights to nations banning entry from Sri Lanka may be limited in the coming days; affected locations include the UAE as of May 18.

Arrivals must provide a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of flight and a completed health declaration form. Passengers must take another PCR test upon arrival and stay at a Level 1 or Level 2 hotel for 14 days; they must receive an additional PCR test between 11 and 14 days after arrival. 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