Sri Lanka bans entry into the country from May 21 to May 31 as part of efforts to contain the growing wave of Covid-19 infection, TTG Asia reports.

The decision of the Director-General of Civil Aviation will affect both Sri Lankans and foreign tourists. In addition, a complete quarantine will be introduced throughout the island.

The new restrictions will affect the Vesak holiday on May 26 and 27, which marks the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha.

Sri Lanka has recently seen a surge in the incidence of coronavirus. The total number of cases as of May 18 was 147,720 cases.

The border restriction will not apply to departing passengers, emergency planes, cargo and humanitarian flights, and passengers in transit through Colombo.