Minister States Sri Lanka to Be Amongst the Safest Nations for COVID-Free Tourism

As reported by the ColomboPage online newspaper on 9th February 2021, Prasanna Ranatunga, Sri Lanka’s Tourism Minister, stated the island could become amongst the world’s safest countries for tourists by May; this hinged on the government’s plan to give the vaccine to all Sri Lankans by this time. While it remains to be seen if the entire population was able to receive the vaccination by this month, the signs have been positive and the country is seeing recovery including its tourism industry.

Sri Lanka reopened its international borders in January 2021 and has since seen slow but steady growth in arrivals; tourists do not have to undergo rigid quarantine and instead, can stay at designated hotels under a secure bio bubble. The necessary health and hygiene protocols are also in place at other accommodation options across the island; this includes Sigiriya hotels where properties like Aliya Resort & Spa have received the “Safe & Secure” certification by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority.