The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) says the implementation of the COVID-19 protocols issued will be deferred until Jan 20.

In a statement, the SLTDA adds that a detailed guideline will be issued following a review meeting with relevant authorities, including health officials, will be scheduled on Jan 17.

Visiting Chinese Vice Minister Chen Zhou had called on Sri Lankan President – Ranil Wickremesinghe on Saturday (14) evening, and conveyed a letter from General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee & President of China Xi Jinping.

A tweet by the Chinese embassy in Colombo states that both parties had ‘a friendly and fruitful dialogue on how to enhance bilateral pragmatic cooperation and party-to-party exchanges.’

The embassy also quotes the President as saying, “We look forward to China’s support in restructuring Sri Lanka’s debt at the moment and our economy in the near future.”

28 workers from a cleaning service company had suddenly fell ill after attempting to bury some refuse disposed by the Anuradhapura hospital, reports say.

The workers have felt faintness and are now being treated at the ICU of the hospital.