Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

Extension of Sri Lankan visas for foreign nationals who are currently in Sri Lanka

Extension of Sri Lankan Visa

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak in Sri Lanka, it has been decided to extend the validity period of all types of Visas issued to foreigners who are currently in Sri Lanka.

You are kindly requested to proceed as advised below.

The validity period of all types of Visas will be extended for a period of 30 days from 14^th March 2020 to 12^thApril 2020
Please visit the Visa Division of the Department of Immigration and Emigration either on 08^th or 09^th April 2020 to pay the relevant fees and to obtain the visa endorsement on your Passport.
If you intend to leave Sri Lanka during the aforementioned period, your journey will be facilitated by paying the relevant visa fee at the Airport without any penalty.
The validity period of the Acknowledgement issued for applications already submitted to the Department of Immigration and Emigration to obtain visas, will also be extended for a period of 30 days with effect from 14^th March 2020 to 12^th April 2020. If you intend to leave the country during this time, a request to obtain your passport from the Department of Immigration and Emigration should be sent to the following E-mail addresses along with a copy of your air ticket. Necessary details in this regard will be communicated accordingly via the same channel.

i. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

ii. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

iii. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

iv. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

v. jithanieathukorala@gmail,com

For inquiries: +94771588724

You are kindly advised to refrain from visiting the Department of Immigration and Emigration premises during the above period. Any inconvenience caused in this regard is regretted.

This notice is issued on the instructions of the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration.

SPECIAL NOTICE FROM THE CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY OF SRI LANKA REGARDING THE CLOSURE OF AIRPORTS

According to instructions received from Sri Lanka Health Authorities, all international Airports in Sri Lanka will be closed for operation of inward international commercial passenger flights (i.e arrivals) with effect from 0400hrs on 19 March 2020 (local time in Sri Lanka) until 2359hrs on 25 March 2020 (local time in Sri Lanka).

The closure will be reviewed by the Sri Lanka Authorities.

During the above mentioned restricted period the following will be permitted:

Aircraft Departures with passengers originating from Colombo, Stop overs, transit passengers or visiting tourists.
Emergency Diversions to Bandaranaike International Airport
Freighter Operations and humanitarian flights to Bandaranaike International Airport
Technical landings at Bandaranaike International Airport
Inbound ferry flights (without passengers) at Bandaranaike International Airport

FOREIGN MINISTER PEIRIS SEEKS ENHANCED MARKET ACCESS FOR SRI LANKAN EXPORTS IN BRAZIL

Foreign Minister G.L.Peiris has sought greater access in the burgeoning Brazilian market for Sri Lankan export products. The Minister made this request during a meeting with the Ambassador of Brazil to Sri Lanka Sergio Luiz Canaes at the Foreign Ministry on 29 September 2021. Foreign Minister Peiris, welcoming Ambassador Canaes conveyed Sri Lanka’s strong commitment to forge closer relations with Brazil in diverse areas of bilateral interest.

At the meeting, both Minister Peiris and Ambassador Canaes agreed to work towards reaching common ground on several major global issues of mutual interest, including climate change, renewable energy, reforms of multilateral institutions and South-South cooperation. The Foreign Minister conveyed his interest to reinvigorate stronger ties with Brazil and the entire South and Central American region in the backdrop of Sri Lanka’s longstanding Non-Aligned tradition.

Underlining the unexplored trade potential that exists between the two countries, Minister Peiris outlined the market opportunities available in Brazil for authentic Sri Lankan products, such as tea, spices and precious and semi-precious gemstones. He also invited Ambassador Canaes to actively promote Sri Lanka as a tourist destination among Brazilian travellers.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

01 October 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/fm-sl-brazil/)

FOREIGN MINISTER PROFESSOR G.L PEIRIS REITERATES SUPPORT TO THE PALESTINE CAUSE DURING COURTESY CALL BY THE PALESTINE AMBASSADOR TO SRI LANKA

Ambassador of the State of Palestinian in Sri Lanka, Dr. Zuhair M.H. Dar Zaid, paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Professor G.L Peiris on 28th September at the Foreign Ministry.

During the meeting, the Ambassador of the State of Palestine extended warm wishes from the President, Government and people of the State of Palestine, reiterated the State of Palestine's continued support for Sri Lanka and stated his intention to strengthen the existing friendly relations.

Minister Peiris elaborated that former President and current Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa had founded the Sri Lanka Palestinian Friendship society, as a young Member of Parliament, and had served as its Chairman for the past 25 years. The Minister also highlighted that Sri Lanka had continuously supported the Palestinian cause and in recognition a road had been named after former President Rajapaksa in Ramallah.

The Foreign Minister appreciated the support Palestine extended to Sri Lanka in the multilateral arena, including at the Human Rights Council, where they had opposed countries being singled out for political purposes and urged that countries be allowed to solve their national issues.

The Minister assured Sri Lanka's continued support for the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and their right to an independent, sovereign state based on the relevant UN resolutions. Both reiterated their strong commitment to having greater cooperation for mutual benefits.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

30 September, 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/palestine-fm-sl/)

SUSPENSION OF VISAS TO SRI LANKA DUE TO THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK

The Government of Sri Lanka has temporarily suspended all types of visa issuance to enter Sri Lanka for two weeks with immediate effect to nationals of most affected countries, including Canada.

All types of Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), Entry Visas, Landing Endorsements, Multiple Entry Visas and Residence Visas already granted to Canadian nationals will be temporarily suspended and they will not be allowed to enter Sri Lanka for two weeks with effect from 23.59hrs (local time in Sri Lanka) on 17 March 2020 to 24.00 hrs (local time in Sri Lanka) on 31 March 2020.

This restriction does not apply to Diplomatic, Official and Service Passport holders.

Sri Lanka High Commission

Ottawa

16.03.2020