COLOMBO (News 1st): President Rodrigo Duterte has approved the recommendation of the Philippines COVID-19 task force to lift the current travel restrictions on Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.

“International travellers coming from the above mentioned countries shall, however, comply with the appropriate entry, testing, and quarantine protocols,” the Presidential Spoeksperson, Harry Roque said in a statement.

However, foreign tourists are still banned from entering the country, except for special visa holders such as diplomats and spouses of Filipino citizens.

The Philippines banned countries with a surge in COVID-19 Delta variant cases in April.

• Stalling repair work of Samanala wewa will bring adverse consequences, says Engineers
• 2 suspects who attacked excise officer: Arrested
• Investigations into death of police officer inside barracks
• Navy Coast Guard vessel sinks in Kankasanthurai
• Maharagama Seetha: Investigations into the shooting of the elephant launched