By Yumiko PereraThe Government of Sri Lanka is hoping to recommence the repatriation of Sri Lankans who are seeking to return to the country, including those who are currently stranded in India, The Sunday Morning learnt. Sri Lanka in early May, barred the entry of Indian travellers with immediate effect due to the rise in Covid-19 cases in India. The travel restrictions had been imposed upon the instructions of the health authorities of Sri Lanka. While this is only temporary, we would resume the repatriation process soon.”Kandeepan further added that approximately 120,000 Sri Lankans have been repatriated so far from various parts of the world, and that once conditions improve, they wished to resume the repatriation process as soon as possible. Efforts made by The Sunday Morning to contact Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, State Minister of Regional Co-operation Tharaka Balasuriya, and Foreign Secretary Admiral (Retd.)

Source: The Nation May 15, 2021 22:18 UTC