China has suspended sending tour groups to Sri Lanka in the wake of the coronavirus. Officials from the Chinese Embassy confirmed this to Immigration officials during a meeting this week.
A top immigration official said the Chinese officials told them that China has suspended sending tour groups to the country due to the coronavirus issue. They have further said any Chinese tourists and even those traveling to Sri Lanka on official business are being screened for the virus prior to being allowed to travel.
The meeting was held amid complaints that Chinese tourists were being discriminated against due to fears over the virus. Chinese officials had raised concerns that some hotels and business establishments were turning their nationals away. They had assured Immigration officials that such fears were unwarranted.
Meanwhile, the Department of Immigration and Emigration stated that Chinese nationals can still apply to visit Sri Lanka via the 'Free Visa' facility by applying from China itself. However, the On Arrival Visa facility for Chinese nationals remains suspended.
A Thai woman walking topless in Arugam Bay town has been arrested by the Police.
The UK government has unveiled a package of reforms to simplify imports from developing countries which allows for more garments manufactured in Sri Lanka to enter the UK tariff-free.
The Cabinet has approved a proposal for Sri Lankans overseas to apply for their passports through an online system via the Lankan diplomatic missions.
Villagers in Nirmalapura, Daluwa, Norochcholai today staged a protest over an incident where a group of Navy officials and sailors had assaulted a resident in the area over night, Police said.
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