Sri Lanka has closed its borders for all arrivals for ten days beginning from May 21.
The move comes amid the increase COVID-19 cases, with the country recording a single-day high of 3,051 COVID 19 cases. Therefore, some measures that were initially eased have been tightened again to curb the spread of COVID-19.
As such, the requirement of all travellers over the age of 12 to complete a 14-day quarantine at a hotel or centre designated by the Government of Sri Lanka have been nullified and all borders have been closed. Due to the new measures, the Immigration Department of Sri Lanka has decided to issue a 60-day visa for tourists already in the country.
Amid the new measures, the Maldivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised caution to all Maldivians residing in Sri Lanka. In a statement, the foreign ministry revealed despite the closure of borders, if required, the Maldivians in Sri Lanka can return to the Maldives.
Sri Lanka's death toll which was among the lowest in the region during the first wave has rapidly risen in the last few weeks, reaching 1,015 on May 19. According to data published by the Health Promotion Bureau, more than 150,000 cases have been reported since the pandemic struck last year, of which nearly 30,000 are currently active.