March 02, Colombo (LNW): In response to mounting instability across parts of the Middle East and the Gulf, the Government of Sri Lanka has unveiled a comprehensive package of measures aimed at protecting foreign visitors currently on the island, while also strengthening support for Sri Lankan migrant workers abroad.
The decisions were reached at a high-level meeting convened yesterday (01) at the Presidential Secretariat, chaired by Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe and Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake. According to the President’s Media Division, the discussions focused on immediate interventions and contingency planning in light of the evolving regional security situation.
Temporary Visa Relief for Visitors
Recognising the uncertainty faced by many travellers due to disrupted flight routes and the temporary closure of airspace in several Middle Eastern countries, the Government has approved a complimentary 14-day extension of tourist visas for those presently in Sri Lanka. Officials noted that the move is intended to ease logistical and financial pressures on visitors whose onward travel plans have been affected.
Furthermore, an urgent action framework is being developed in collaboration with foreign missions through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This initiative aims to coordinate accommodation, consular assistance, and safety measures for tourists, ensuring that their stay remains secure and well-managed.
Authorities are also engaging with international airlines to identify alternative flight corridors, enabling stranded tourists to return home via revised routes. At the same time, discussions are under way with industry stakeholders to guarantee that prospective travellers can continue to reach Sri Lanka with minimal disruption.
Round-the-Clock Support Services
To reinforce these efforts, a series of 24-hour operational centres have been activated across key State institutions.
The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority has set up a dedicated unit to address concerns raised by tourists. Assistance is available through its 1912 hotline, with officials assuring prompt attention to accommodation, transport and safety-related matters.
Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment has launched a special operations centre to support Sri Lankan migrant workers overseas. The Bureau’s 1989 hotline has been designated for families seeking information or workers requiring urgent assistance.
In parallel, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has instructed Sri Lankan diplomatic missions across the Middle East and Gulf region to remain on heightened alert. Working in tandem with the Bureau of Foreign Employment, these missions have established an integrated response mechanism to address emergencies swiftly and safeguard the welfare of Sri Lankan nationals abroad.
Officials at the meeting underscored that domestic transport services remain fully operational and contingency arrangements are in place should conditions shift. The Government has affirmed its readiness to take further decisions as necessary, emphasising that both visitor safety and the well-being of Sri Lankans overseas remain top priorities.
