EU Considers Visa Office in Sri Lanka to Ease Travel for Locals

COLOMBO (News 1st); Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, who also represents Poland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, has expressed agreement on the need to explore establishing a new visa facilitation office in Sri Lanka, in response to the challenges faced by Sri Lankans when applying for visas to EU member states.

The announcement came during a high-level meeting between Polish Foreign Minister and current President of the EU Council, Radosław Sikorski, and Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vijitha Herath.

Minister Sikorski, who arrived in Colombo this morning (28) for a three-day official visit, acknowledged the difficulties Sri Lankans face in the visa process and expressed agreement on the need for a local solution. The proposal to open a visa facilitation office was welcomed as a step toward improving people-to-people connectivity and mobility.

During the meeting, Minister Herath thanked Poland and the EU for their continued support, particularly the extension of the GSP+ trade concession, which has been vital for Sri Lanka’s export economy.

He also highlighted the government’s commitment to inclusive governance, noting recent legal reforms aimed at ensuring equal treatment for all ethnic, religious, and social groups.

Minister Sikorski praised Sri Lanka’s progress in political stability, human rights, and inclusive governance, expressing the EU’s satisfaction with the country’s direction. He reaffirmed the EU’s readiness to support Sri Lanka’s economic development through increased trade, investment, technical assistance, and financial aid when needed.

The Polish Foreign Minister also noted Sri Lanka’s growing appeal as a tourist destination for Polish nationals, with over 40,000 visitors annually. He added that Poland is prepared to expand employment opportunities for seasonal workers and increase educational exchange programs for Sri Lankan students.