TBM Staff - Mumbai
The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka refuted local media reports alleging that an Indian private company was unlawfully issuing visas at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. In a statement, the High Commission clarified that no Indian companies were involved in providing visa-on-arrival services at the airport.
Addressing the issue on social media, the commission emphasised that the circulated reports were neither of Indian origin nor supported by Indian sources.
Following an incident involving an Indian firm, Sri Lankan immigration authorities regained control of the Visa on Arrival booths at Colombo International Airport. However, Jayasinghe Bandara, a senior immigration department official, disclosed to PTI that the business faced operational challenges due to a lack of trial runs, leading to customer dissatisfaction.
Last October, Sri Lanka implemented a policy granting free tourist visas to travelers from India and six other countries. This initiative aims to revitalise the tourism sector, burdened by debt. The Foreign Minister highlighted that initially, free visas would be available until March 31, 2024.
Meanwhile, an unverified video circulating on social media depicted a Sri Lankan confronting company officials over his wife’s entry visa rejection. Business Today could not independently verify the footage.
Subsequently, the Sri Lankan citizen reported to authorities, alleging that an Indian entity was obstructing Sri Lankans from entering the country. Reports suggest that Sri Lankan authorities resumed operations at the counters, ensuring established protocols and eliminating additional charges, reportedly levied by the Indian firm, on tourists from various countries, including those eligible for free visas under Sri Lanka’s tourism promotion initiative.
