13,000 Lankans repatriated during COVID allowed to purchase duty free goods

July 1, 2020 at 12:47 PM

The Government will grant an opportunity to Sri Lankans who were recently repatriated from overseas to purchase goods from the “Duty Free” stores at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake.

Chairman of the Airport and Aviation Services Major General G.A. Chandrasiri said Sri Lankans, who were repatriated after being stranded overseas due to the global coronavirus outbreak, were denied the opportunity to purchase duty free goods due to the COVID-19 and quarantine procedure at the Airport.

Close to 13, 000 Sri Lankans have been repatriated from various countries by the Government so far and they were denied the opportunity to purchase any duty free goods due to the current situation, he said.

Major General G.A. Chandrasiri further said measures will be taken to bring in a group, consisting of 100 Sri Lankans who had recently been repatriated, per day to the Airport, where they will be facilitated to purchase duty free goods.

The programme will be jointly conducted by officials from the BIA, Sri Lanka Customs and Department of Immigration and Emigration.

Repatriated Sri Lankans arriving to purchase duty free goods at the Airport will be required to submit various documents, including the certificate on completion of quarantine issued by health authorities, passports and other official letters, he said.

Chairman of the Airport and Aviation Services Major General G.A. Chandrasiri said an official press release in this regard will be issued to the media in the coming few days. (Newswire)