ISLAMABAD: Sri Lanka has announced a free visa facility for Pakistani citizens in a move aimed at boosting tourism and strengthening people-to-people ties between the two countries.
According to media reports, Sri Lanka’s Consul General in Pakistan, Sanjeeva Pathirana, said online visa applications submitted by Pakistani nationals are now being processed within 48 hours, making travel to the island nation quicker and more convenient.
The Consul General said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation in key sectors, including tourism, education, trade, investment and defence. He expressed confidence that easier travel procedures would encourage greater exchanges between business communities, students and tourists from both countries.
Officials believe the visa facilitation measure will help enhance economic and cultural engagement while creating new opportunities for collaboration across a range of sectors. The move is also expected to support the growth of tourism by making Sri Lanka a more accessible destination for Pakistani travellers.
As part of its tourism promotion strategy, Sri Lanka is actively positioning itself as an attractive destination for visitors from Pakistan. The country offers a diverse range of attractions, including scenic beaches, ancient cultural and historical sites, wildlife parks, tea plantations and picturesque hill stations.
The simplified visa process is expected to encourage more Pakistanis to visit Sri Lanka for leisure, business and educational purposes, while also contributing to stronger bilateral relations.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have traditionally enjoyed cordial diplomatic ties and cooperate in various fields. The latest visa initiative is being viewed as another step towards expanding connectivity and fostering closer relations between the two South Asian nations through increased travel and people-to-people exchanges.
