Sri Lanka Concerned Over Visa-Abuse By Tourists From Conflict-Affected Regions

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Minister of State for Tourism Diana Gamage has drawn attention to the misuse of visa concessions granted to tourists from countries affected by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The situation, she asserts, poses a critical challenge, particularly in the southern provinces.

As Sri Lanka continues to welcome international visitors, the extension of visa periods has been a key policy to facilitate tourism. However, recent developments have raised concerns about the proper implementation of this concession.

Minister Gamage highlighted that some tourists, particularly those arriving from conflict-affected regions, are exploiting the visa extension privilege. Instead of utilizing the extended stay for genuine tourism purposes, there have been instances of abuse.

Gamage cautioned that failure to address these visa issues could potentially lead to significant repercussions for Sri Lanka. She emphasized the importance of attracting tourists to the country while ensuring that their presence aligns with national interests. The minister raised concerns about capital leaving the country as a result of tourism expenditures, prompting a reassessment of the types of tourists welcomed into Sri Lanka.

Moreover, Minister Gamage pointed out instances of tourists engaging in informal economic activities, such as driving three-wheelers and operating small-scale hospitality establishments, which may not contribute positively to the local economy. She called for a thorough evaluation of the impact of such practices on the country's tourism sector and economy.

On the 22nd of February, the Sri Lankan Immigration Department announced a deadline for Russian and Ukrainian nationals who have overstayed their visas to leave the country.

In a letter issued on that day, Immigration and Emigration Controller, Harsha Ilukpitiya, informed the Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism that these individuals must depart by March 7th, 2024.

The decision comes following the extension of visas granted to tourists from both countries after the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in February 2022. Initially stranded due to airspace closures and limited air travel, these visas were intermittently extended. 

However, citing the normalization of the situation, the Immigration Department has declared the extension period officially concluded.

The letter specifies that affected individuals have two weeks, from February 23rd to March 7th, to depart Sri Lanka.

A day after the statement was made, the Presidnet's Media Division issued a statement noting that President Ranil Wickremesinghe has ordered an investigation into the notification issued to Russian & Ukrainian tourists, without prior Cabinet approval, requiring them to leave the country within 14 days. 

The President's Media Division said that the Sri Lankan Government has not officially decided to revoke the visa extensions previously granted to these tourists. 

Controversy has erupted in Sri Lanka following allegations of a racially discriminatory event held at a hotel in the Unawatuna area, frequented by Russian and Ukrainian tourists.

Reports claim that the event excluded guests of non-white ethnicities. 

This incident has sparked outrage and discussions about potential racial bias within the local tourism industry, particularly in areas with a high concentration of Russian and Ukrainian visitors.

The Russian Embassy in Sri Lanka has swiftly responded to the allegations, issuing a statement condemning the reported party and its discriminatory practices. 

The embassy clarified that it does not endorse or condone actions that promote racial division or prejudice. Additionally, they confirmed the cancellation of the event and the organizers' apology.