In light of the recent unrest in the Middle East and the Gulf region, the Sri Lankan Government has initiated several operations to ensure the safety and welfare of foreign tourists in Sri Lanka and to protect Sri Lankan migrant workers abroad.
These measures were determined during a special meeting held on Sunday evening at the Presidential Secretariat, led by Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe and the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
Visa Concessions and Facilities for Tourists
Recognizing the challenges faced by tourists currently in the country, the Government has decided to offer a complimentary two-week (14-day) extension on their visa validity. Additionally, an urgent action plan will be developed in collaboration with relevant embassies through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure the safety and well-being of tourists in Sri Lanka.
Considering the disruptions caused by the closure of airspace in several Middle Eastern countries, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in conjunction with airlines, will explore alternative flight routes to facilitate tourists’ return to their home countries. Furthermore, discussions will be held with relevant stakeholders to establish alternative travel routes, ensuring uninterrupted arrival for tourists intending to visit Sri Lanka.
Active Operations Centres
To assist tourists and migrant workers, the Government has set up 24-hour operational services through various State institutions.
- Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority: A special unit has been established for tourists currently in the country, with any issues reportable via the 1912 hotline.
- Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment: A dedicated operations center has been established to provide information and support to Sri Lankan migrant workers overseas, accessible through the 1989 hotline.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has coordinated with all Sri Lankan diplomatic missions in the Middle East and Gulf region to create an integrated response mechanism. These missions, alongside the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment, are on standby to address emergencies and ensure the safety of Sri Lankan migrant workers.
During the discussion, it was emphasized that the Government has made all necessary arrangements to ensure the seamless operation of domestic transport for tourists and to make prompt decisions as situations develop.
Participants in the meeting included Chief of Staff to the President Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamge, Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism Aruni Ranraja, Controller General of Immigration and Emigration Chaminda Pathiraja, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment Kosala Wikramasinghe, and officials from the Tourism Development Authority.
Representatives from the tourism industry also attended, including Sri Lanka Inbound Tour Operators Association (SLAITO) President Nalin Jayasundara and Secretary Nilan Wickramasinghe, as well as Tourism Hotel Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) members Chandra Wickramasinghe and Nihal Muhandiram, along with several hotel owners.
