Tourism and Aviation Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said the reopening of airport for tourists might be delayed.

Speaking to the media, the Minister said a large number of Sri Lankan expatriates were expecting to return to the country.

He added that the President had instructed to facilitate the return of all Sir Lankan expatriates expecting to return to the country.

"A large number of people have registered at embassies. All of them will have to undergo PCR tests on their arrival on the island. This is a time consuming process," he said.

The Minister said the airport was likely to be reopened for tourists towards the end of August. The government earlier planned to reopen the airport for tourists on August 01.