he Health Ministry has decided to discontinue the disinfection process of passengers and their luggage at all airports in Sri Lanka.

According to the Daily FT, the decision has been taken over concerns raised on adverse health outcomes due to the disinfection process.

Fears over the process delaying the smooth movement of passengers, and causing unnecessary fear among staff, has also prompted authorities to discontinue the process to make the experience more hassle free for passengers arriving in Sri Lanka.

Taking into consideration the practical circumstances in this regard, Director General Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardane has confirmed there was no significant benefit of the disinfection process of the passengers and their luggage.

As a result, the Health Ministry has notified the Civil Aviation Authority and Airport and Aviation Services that it does not recommend the disinfection process and to discontinue it at all airports.

Sri Lanka reopened its borders for tourism last week. Nearly seven batches of Ukrainian tourists have arrived in Sri Lanka, while over 50 persons on business or leisure travel have also arrived in the country during this period.

All passengers will have to strictly adhere to special guidelines issued by the Health Ministry in view of the coronavirus.