Cracks in Govt. over COVID protocols for tourists

• SLTDA issues clarification on original announcement
• States earlier health procedures deferred till 20 Jan.
• Says new review meeting with officials tomorrow
• Health Services DG says only he is vested with powers to issue protocols on COVID 
• Health Minister notes statement pertinent to COVID in SL will either be made by Health Ministry or Presidential Secretariat

By Charumini de Silva

The Government cracked over the COVID health protocols announced by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority on Friday, with many claiming that there is no coordination between line ministries and agencies.

With the Government affirming that only the Health Services Director General is vested with powers to issue COVID protocols, the SLTDA issued a clarification stating that the previously announced procedures have been deferred till 20 January.

“A review meeting with relevant authorities including health officials has been scheduled for 17 January, after which a detailed guideline will be issued,” a statement issued by the SLTDA noted on Saturday.

It also added that any procedures which will be implemented will be reviewed at close intervals.

Last Friday, the SLTDA announced new health guidelines to all overseas arrivals to possess a vaccination card, and those who are not vaccinated should submit a PCR report obtained 72 hours before arrival.

It also emphasised that there will be no exception to the rule for any nationality or country, to prevent any discrimination.

However, holding a special media briefing on Saturday, the Health Services Director General Dr. Asela Gunawardena asserted that only the Health Ministry is vested with the power to issue COVID-19 protocols and procedures.

“The relevant protocols issued for all inbound tourists by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority yesterday, are void, ” he stressed. 

Separately, Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella also said that any statement pertinent to COVID in Sri Lanka will either be made by the Health Ministry or Presidential Secretariat.

“Sri Lanka entry status quo remains UNCHANGED despite news alerts in the past 12h. The Health Ministry is in real-time discussion with the World Health Organisation. Any statement pertinent to #Covid19SL will either be made by the Health Min or Presidential Sec. Urge all media institutions to adhere to this protocol,” Rambukwella tweeted on Saturday.