The Sri Lankan government has introduced a series of special measures to ensure the safety and welfare of foreign tourists in the country and Sri Lankan migrant workers overseas amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and Gulf region.
The decisions were taken at a special meeting held on Sunday at the President’s Office, chaired by Deputy Tourism Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe and President’s Secretary Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
Visa extensions for tourists
The government has decided to grant a free two-week (14-day) visa extension to tourists currently in Sri Lanka, considering the practical difficulties they may face due to disruptions in regional air travel. Authorities stated that further extensions will be considered if necessary.
The Foreign Ministry will coordinate with relevant embassies to ensure the safety and welfare of tourists and to implement a rapid response mechanism where required.
With several Middle Eastern countries closing their airspace, the Foreign Ministry and airlines will jointly explore alternative flight routes to facilitate the departure of tourists to their home countries. Officials also said discussions will be held with relevant stakeholders to ensure that prospective visitors can continue to travel to Sri Lanka without disruption through alternative transit points.
24-hour operations centers
The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority has established a dedicated unit to assist tourists currently in the country. Assistance is available through its 24-hour hotline, 1912.
The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment has activated a special operations center to provide information and support to Sri Lankan migrant workers overseas. Assistance is available via its 24-hour hotline, 1989.
In addition, the Foreign Ministry is working with all Sri Lankan embassies in the Middle East and Gulf region under a coordinated mechanism to ensure swift responses in emergencies and to safeguard the welfare of Sri Lankan workers.
The government also stated that it is prepared to ensure uninterrupted internal transportation for tourists and to take swift decisions based on evolving developments.
Senior government officials, including Chief of Presidential Staff Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ministry Secretary Aruni Ranaraja and Controller General of Immigration and Emigration Chaminda Pathiraja attended the meeting.
Representatives of the tourism industry, including officials from the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators and the Hotels Association of Sri Lanka, were also present.
