The country plans to open to small groups, staying in approved accommodation that meets strict Covid health and safety guidelines.

Kimali Fernando, chair of Sri Lanka’s Tourism Promotion Bureau, set out the country’s plans to the Reuters news agency this week.

He confirmed visitors would be required to provide a Covid-free certificate or test result before travelling. Entrants will also have to submit to temperature checks and additional "rapid" coronavirus testing on arrival.

A presidential task force, meanwhile, has recommended the country’s airports – including its only international airport Bandaranaike, situated in capital Colombo – reopen from 1 August.

Hotels and restaurants registered with the country’s tourism authority will be permitted to open first.

The full set of measures have been put forward to president Gotabaya Rajapaksa for consideration ahead of a proposed 1 August resumption.

Tourists would be required to hold a booking with a Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority-registered agency and Covid-certified hotels, and a return air ticket.