Sri Lanka, June 15 -- The Government is focusing on re-opening of the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake to international tourists prior to August 1, Tourism and Aviation Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said.

"We will be ready to receive all international tourists after the repatriation of all Sri Lankans stranded overseas is concluded," he added. Minister Ranatunga said that the repatriation procedure would end before August. However, this will depend on the space available at quarantine centers across the country.

The Minister added that about 10,000 people who have been already repatriated are under quarantine at present and another 20,000 Sri Lankans are waiting to return home.

"All tourists arriving in the country wi...