September 06, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka-Pakistan Business Council (SLPBC) has raised concerns over the potential strain on trade relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan due to Sri Lanka’s new visa policy. This policy, which allows visa-free entry to citizens from 38 countries, notably excludes Pakistan, creating challenges for business and tourism ties between the two nations.
Previously, Pakistani visitors, including investors and tourists, had a relatively straightforward process for obtaining visas to Sri Lanka, facilitated by an online system. However, after a court ruling led to the abandonment of this system, Pakistani visitors are now required to follow traditional, more cumbersome procedures. The SLPBC points out that there has been no clear guidance from Sri Lankan authorities on the new visa process, leading to confusion and delays.
This policy change has already had a noticeable impact. The SLPBC reports that in the past three months, trade activities between Sri Lanka and Pakistan have been limited to mere correspondence, with no significant business developments. The council, which has been instrumental in promoting bilateral trade for over three decades, finds itself unable to advocate for Sri Lanka as an investment or tourist destination due to the visa complications.
Pakistan has historically been a strong ally of Sri Lanka, providing critical support during times of need, such as during Sri Lanka’s civil war and more recently, by supplying fertilizers during a national shortage. Additionally, Pakistan has offered thousands of scholarships to Sri Lankan students in various fields, further strengthening the relationship between the two countries.
The SLPBC has been actively collaborating with the Pakistan Embassy to foster trade and cultural exchanges, organizing trade fairs, exhibitions, and delegations to promote bilateral business opportunities. In 2024 alone, two Sri Lankan delegations participated in major trade fairs in Lahore and Karachi, with more planned for later in the year. However, the recent visa policy shift has created significant obstacles for these efforts.
The council warns that the lack of clarity and the reversion to a time-consuming visa process for Pakistani nationals could lead to serious diplomatic and economic repercussions. Pakistani investors and tourists, who have shown increasing interest in Sri Lanka, may now look to other destinations, such as Turkey, which has seen a rise in Pakistani visitors due to its more accessible visa policies.
The SLPBC emphasizes that while they respect Sri Lanka’s security and legal protocols, there must be a clear and efficient system in place. The council, supported by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, cautions that failure to address the current visa issues could severely damage the longstanding and mutually beneficial relationship between Sri Lanka and Pakistan.Sri Lanka’s new visa policy, which excludes Pakistan from the list of visa-free countries, is causing significant disruptions in trade and tourism relations between the two nations. The SLPBC urges the Sri Lankan government to provide clear guidance on visa procedures and to consider the potential diplomatic fallout if the situation is not resolved promptly.
