COLOMBO (News 1st): Repatriation flights in the coming weeks will be determined on the limitations of the capacity of PCR tests and COVID-19 treatment facilities, according to Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage.

The government changed the phase of the repatriation of the Sri Lankan migrant workers who wish to return to their motherland following a sudden spike in the COVID-19 cases among them.

“The availability of accommodation at quarantine facilities, the capacity of PCR tests and COVID-19 treatment facilities in the case returnees test positive for the virus, are the three main limitations that determine the number of Sri Lankans that can be repatriated daily,” in an interview with News 1st on Wednesday (May 27), Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage said.

The Presidential Secretariat recently emphasized that the government does not interfere in the preparation of the list of migrant workers, for repatriation.

“None of the lists for repatriation are prepared in Sri Lanka. They are prepared by Sri Lankan missions overseas through the Ministry of Foreign Relations,” told Admiral Professor, Jayanath Colombage – Additional Secretary to the President for Foreign Relations, to News 1st on Wednesday.

He stressed if anyone in Sri Lanka attempts to interfere in this process, that would be unfair as only the Sri Lankan Embassies, High Commissions and Sri Lankan Consulates would be aware of the prevailing situation in the respective countries.

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