The Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka will officially roll out a new Online Visa Processing System on June 30, 2025, aiming to streamline and enhance the visa application process for all applicants.
From this date onwards, all visa applications must be submitted online via the upgraded system at https://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/. Applicants can fill out forms, upload required documents, and monitor application status online, significantly reducing paperwork and processing time.
Key Features and Guidelines:
Account Registration: Applicants must register using an email address before beginning the application.
Application Process:
Complete the online form and upload required documents.
Application enters preliminary review, which typically takes 1–3 working days.
When status changes to “Passport to be submitted”, applicants must:
Visit the Chinese Embassy in person,
Submit original passport and documents,
Provide biometric information (e.g., fingerprints).
Application then proceeds to the final review stage, taking an additional 3–4 working days.
Express Service: Applicants can opt for “Normal” or “Express” processing. Express service speeds up only the post-preliminary phase and involves additional fees, which are non-refundable even if delays occur.
Important Dates:
The system will be offline from 5:00 p.m. on June 27 to 8:00 a.m. on June 30 for upgrades.
Applications submitted during this period will be invalid.
Forms submitted through the previous system before June 27 will remain valid, and in-person submissions under the old process will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on June 27.
Fingerprint Collection: Mandatory for most applicants after preliminary approval unless exempt. Exempt individuals may authorize a third party to handle document submission and visa collection.
Application Timing: Applicants are advised to apply two to three weeks before travel to avoid delays. Submitting applications too early (e.g., more than a month ahead) may lead to processing issues.
Note: This system applies only to visa applications for mainland China.
For further information or inquiries, contact the Chinese Embassy’s Consular Office at:
The Government has announced the establishment of a new state-owned enterprise, Gov Tech (Pvt) Limited, to spearhead Sri Lanka’s ongoing and future digital transformation initiatives as an independent institution with full implementation authority.
Cabinet Spokesman and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa revealed that the decision follows Cabinet approval granted on January 27 to dissolve the existing Sri Lanka Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) and to begin drafting legislation to form a Digital Economic Authority.
Extensive research was undertaken—drawing from both domestic experiences and international best practices—to design an effective institutional framework that can fast-track the country’s digitalisation and foster a thriving digital economy.
Minister Jayatissa stressed the importance of a stable and clearly defined institutional structure in achieving the goals laid out in Sri Lanka’s national digital strategies. He said that Gov Tech (Pvt) Limited will function with the autonomy required to efficiently implement key digital projects, free from bureaucratic delays.
Accordingly, the Cabinet has approved the proposal presented by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as the Minister of Digital Economy, to formally establish Gov Tech (Pvt) Limited—marking a significant step forward in the country’s digital governance and economic modernization efforts.
The Government has announced a series of critical measures aimed at enhancing child protection and improving the reporting process for child abuse cases, following concerns over the low number of formal complaints received by the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA).
Speaking at the weekly Cabinet press briefing held yesterday (27), Cabinet Spokesman and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated that despite the NCPA operating a 24-hour complaint facility, many incidents go unreported through official channels.
To address this, the Government has decided to regulate the conduct of media outlets and social media communicators to prevent the exposure and potential harm to the identities of child victims. The move is part of a broader effort to build public trust in formal reporting mechanisms and uphold the rights and dignity of children.
A Standing National Committee will also be established, chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, and will include representatives from other key agencies to coordinate child protection efforts nationwide.
Additionally, the Government is preparing amendments to the Penal Code and Criminal Code to eliminate physical punishment against children and ensure that all forms of abuse are duly reported and addressed.
Minister Jayatissa emphasized that the new media ethics framework currently in development will contain robust safeguards to protect victims from repeated exposure and harassment.
He also referenced the Cabinet-approved national policy, “A Safe World for Children – A Creative Future Generation”, which identifies the protection of children from abuse and violence as a fundamental principle. The policy was adopted during the Cabinet meeting on March 3, 2025.
Multiple ministries—including Women and Child Affairs, Health and Mass Media, Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Justice, and National Integration—as well as the Sri Lanka Police, are expected to play a central role in this coordinated initiative.
The Cabinet has formally approved the proposal by the Women and Child Affairs Minister to implement these measures, aiming to ensure swift and effective intervention in cases involving child abuse.
A high-level joint meeting was recently convened at the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel to advance the development of power boating in Sri Lanka—as both a recreational sport and a potential export-driven industry.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders including Chaturanga Abeysinghe from the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, representatives from the National Chamber of Commerce and Shipbuilding (CMISL), the Lanka Powerboat Association, and the International Motor Boat Union (UIM).
Although power boating has had a presence in Sri Lanka for over a decade, earlier efforts have been largely fragmented. The current initiative marks a strategic shift toward an integrated national approach.
Participants explored the feasibility of manufacturing boats and related equipment domestically for export, while ensuring adherence to international standards. Strengthening Sri Lanka’s marine tourism appeal—particularly through events and festivals—was also a central focus.
This multi-stakeholder initiative will now proceed as a joint effort involving the Ministries of Industries, Sports, and Tourism, with the aim of positioning Sri Lanka as a regional hub for marine sports and powerboat manufacturing.
Due to the influence of the active southwest monsoon weather condition, showery weather over the Western, and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara, Nuwara-Eliya and Kandy districts is likely to enhance during the next few days.
Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Galle and Matara districts.
Fairly heavy falls above 75 mm are likely at some places in the Sabaragamuwa province and in Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Galle and Matara districts.
A few showers may occur in North-central province and in Mannar, Hambantota and Matale districts.
Strong winds of about (40-50) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Hambantota and Trincomalee districts.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers
May 27, Colombo (LNW): At a time when Sri Lanka’s tea exports are enjoying a significant boost in earnings, a crisis is unfolding in the low-grown tea sector. A severe shortage of tea leaves—largely stemming from a mismanaged shift to organic fertilizers during previous administrations—is causing widespread closures of tea factories, threatening the sustainability of this crucial industry.
In April 2025, export revenue from tea rose by 12.45% year-on-year to $107.34 million, making up 12% of the country’s total merchandise exports. This growth was mainly driven by a 27.6% rise in the export of tea packets.
Additionally, tea export volumes climbed 11.17% compared to April 2024. Significant gains were recorded in key markets, with tea exports to Iraq up by 46.7%, Libya by 292.3%, and Iran by 115.96%.
Despite this encouraging export performance, the domestic production side tells a starkly different story. Nimal Udugampola, Chairman of the Tea Small Holdings Development Authority, revealed that 225 tea factories have shut down across the island so far.
According to him, the closures are primarily due to the sharp decline in tea leaf supply, both in quantity and quality. He pointed to the ongoing leaf shortage as a major impediment to the industry’s operations and long-term sustainability.
Udugampola also highlighted the unrealistic production target of 174 million kilograms of made tea by 2030. He noted that Sri Lanka has never reached such volumes in its 157-year tea industry history. The highest recorded annual production was only 134 million kilograms in 2013.
However, the numbers presented by Udugampola were met with some skepticism. Tea Commissioner of the Sri Lanka Tea Board, Mahesh Jayawardena, responded to the claims by noting that it is typical for 20 to 25 tea factories to close annually, with an equal number of new ones being established. He stated that he was unaware of such a large-scale shutdown and promised to investigate the matter further.
Efforts to obtain comments from the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tea Factory Owners’ Association, Lionel Herath, were unsuccessful. Nonetheless, several tea factory owners confirmed that many factories have indeed closed recently. They attributed the situation to both the leaf shortage and poor management practices in some factories.
While Sri Lanka’s tea exports continue to shine in international markets, the foundations of the industry appear increasingly unstable. Without urgent intervention to resolve the leaf supply issue and support struggling factories, the country’s tea legacy could be at serious risk—despite its growing global demand.
May 27, Colombo (LNW): A growing number of foreign nationals—primarily from Israel, India, Russia, and Ukraine—are reportedly engaging in business and employment activities in Sri Lanka in violation of visa regulations, raising serious concerns over lost economic benefits and regulatory breaches, the Daily Mirror has learned.
An official from the Ministry of Tourism, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that despite strict guidelines issued by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) regarding the issuance of visas for tourism, employment, and investment, many foreigners are bypassing these requirements.
The SLTDA’s framework only permits foreign workers in the hospitality industry in roles such as chefs, managers, and therapists—and only within registered and graded establishments.
“Only hotels and restaurants that meet specific standards are allowed to hire foreign nationals. However, we’ve observed a growing number of foreigners working even in small, unregistered eateries,” the official said. “In many cases, established foreign entrepreneurs who arrived earlier are now facilitating visas for new arrivals through immigration channels that overlook SLTDA guidelines.”
The SLTDA mandates that foreign investors must pay the Tourism Development Levy, maintain a required deposit in an International Resident Account (IRA), and follow a detailed application process. However, there are reports of foreign nationals securing one-year resident visas by evading these regulations—allegedly with the help of complicit immigration officers.
“This problem has persisted for years. We are currently drafting reforms to plug the loopholes and eliminate corruption in the visa processing system,” the official added.
According to the Ministry, these foreign workers often cater exclusively to tourists from their own countries, receiving payments through international digital platforms, effectively sidelining Sri Lanka’s financial system and depriving the nation of valuable foreign exchange.
Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala confirmed that foreigners found violating visa laws are subject to deportation. “We are intensifying efforts to strengthen visa enforcement,” he said.
Sri Lanka, currently seeking to revive its post-crisis economy, depends heavily on tourism, which contributed over USD 2 billion to the economy in 2023. However, unregulated foreign business activity poses a significant threat to local employment, tax revenue, and regulatory compliance.
While Sri Lanka encourages legitimate foreign investment, particularly through programs such as the Board of Investment (BOI) and the Colombo Port City initiative, concerns remain about the ease with which certain individuals exploit loopholes.
According to BOI data, over 1,500 foreign companies operate legally across sectors in Sri Lanka, including tourism, manufacturing, and IT. Ensuring that such operations comply with national guidelines is essential to maintain a level playing field and ensure equitable economic benefits for the country.
May 27, Colombo (LNW): In a significant move to deepen bilateral economic ties, the United Kingdom is enhancing its relationship with Sri Lanka through the visit of Lord Hannett of Everton, the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy for Sri Lanka.
His visit to Colombo from May 25 to 28 marks his first official tour since assuming the role in January 2025, signaling renewed UK interest in supporting Sri Lanka’s trade and economic growth.
During his visit, Lord Hannett is scheduled to hold high-level discussions with key government figures, including Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe and Deputy Minister for Industry and Entrepreneurship Chathuranga Abeysinghe.
Talks will centre on strengthening trade and investment ties, addressing barriers faced by UK businesses, and promoting policy reforms to improve the ease of doing business in Sri Lanka.
Engaging extensively with the local business community, Lord Hannett will meet senior figures from both UK and Sri Lankan companies, transnational education providers, women entrepreneurs, and members of the Council for Business with Britain.
He is also set to visit several UK-affiliated enterprises operating in Sri Lanka, such as the London Stock Exchange Group, De La Rue, HSBC, Haleon, and the MAS Silueta factory.
A key highlight of the visit will be the launch of the SheTrades webpage on the Export Development Board’s (EDB) website. This initiative, developed in collaboration with the International Trade Centre and EDB, follows the establishment of the SheTrades Sri Lanka Hub in March and aims to support women-led businesses seeking access to global markets.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Lord Hannett said he is eager to engage with Sri Lankan policymakers and the business community to explore new avenues for collaboration. He praised the strength of the UK-Sri Lanka education partnership, noting Sri Lanka’s position as the second-largest market for UK transnational education. He hopes to further expand UK involvement in developing Sri Lanka’s skilled workforce.
Lord Hannett also reaffirmed the UK government’s commitment to backing UK enterprises looking to enter or expand in Sri Lanka, emphasizing the mutual benefits of a robust trade relationship. He highlighted the importance of reducing market access barriers and enhancing transparency to attract more British investment.
Currently, bilateral trade between the two nations stands at approximately £1.6 billion, with Sri Lanka maintaining a trade surplus. The UK remains Sri Lanka’s second-largest export market, underscoring the strategic value of this economic partnership.
May 27, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s export sector posted strong growth in the first four months of 2025, with total earnings reaching $5.58 billion, a 6.9% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB). This growth reflects the sector’s resilience, strategic diversification, and adaptability in a dynamic global trade environment.
In April 2025, total exports—comprising both merchandise and services—stood at $1.29 billion, up 8.74% year-on-year (YoY). Merchandise exports alone surged 12.05% YoY to $983.3 million, driven by higher earnings from key product categories, while services exports were estimated at $309.3 million, reflecting a 7.06% rise over April 2024.
EDB Chairman and CEO Mangala Wijesinghe credited the growth to continued efforts to improve market access and strengthen competitiveness, noting Sri Lankan exporters’ ability to adapt to shifting global market conditions.
Sectoral Highlights:
Apparel and Textiles: Export earnings jumped 13.52% YoY in April to $364.5 million. Cumulative earnings reached $1.49 billion from January to April, with exports to the US and UK up 10.25% and 6.41%, respectively.
Tea: Earnings increased 12.45% to $107.3 million in April, mainly driven by a 27.6% rise in Tea Packet exports. Notable growth in exports to Iraq (46.7%), Libya (292.3%), and Iran (115.96%) was recorded.
Coconut-Based Products: Earnings soared 21.54% YoY in April, with significant increases across sub-categories such as Coconut Kernel Products (36.23%) and Fibre Products (49.66%). Cumulative earnings rose 25.3% to $331.3 million in the four-month period.
Spices and Essential Oils: April earnings rose 32.83% to $23.95 million, with strong performances from Pepper (185.77%) and Cloves (106.98%). Year-to-date growth stood at 63.44%.Food and Beverages: Up 34.53% in April to $43.5 million, boosted by Processed Food exports, which rose 77.5%.
Boat Building: Noteworthy growth in April earnings to $15.05 million, driven by a large shipment to Norway.ICT/BPM and Logistics: ICT/BPM services brought in an estimated $492.7 million (up 4.91%), while Logistics and Transport services grew 20.69% to $648.7 million in the first four months.
However, not all sectors performed equally well. Rubber and Rubber Finished Products fell 6.74% YoY to $312.4 million, and Seafood exports declined 17.34% to $74.96 million. Electrical and Electronic Components also saw a 6.29% drop in earnings.
Despite these setbacks, Sri Lanka’s export sector shows strong signs of momentum in 2025, led by diversified industries and sustained global demand across key markets.
Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong affirms that the so-called “Chinese debt trap” narrative is politically driven and unsupported by facts. Emphasising the strong foundation of bilateral ties, he notes that the scope for cooperation between China and Sri Lanka is broad, with a promising outlook for the future. Further he noted the upcoming visit by Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao with an economic and trade delegation is expected to unlock fresh opportunities for deeper bilateral cooperation. Prior to his assignment in Colombo, Ambassador Qi served as China’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain.
By Dinesh Weerakkody
Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong
Q: Your recent article in the FT refers to China as a “more trustworthy partner” for Sri Lanka. What specific factors have shaped this perception, and how is that trust reflected in the current state of bilateral relations?
The bond between China and Sri Lanka is rooted in mutual respect and generational friendship. We have consistently supported one another on matters of core interest. During the COVID-19 pandemic, despite global vaccine shortages and domestic demand, China supplied Sri Lanka with a substantial volume of vaccines and PPE—more than 70% of Sri Lankans received Chinese vaccines. This played a pivotal role in protecting public health and restoring normalcy. China was also the first country to agree to a debt restructuring framework with Sri Lanka and remains its largest bilateral creditor. The state visit of President Disanayake to China this January marked another milestone, resulting in new cooperation agreements across trade, agriculture, social welfare, and media under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). We are committed to ensuring these projects deliver tangible benefits.
Q: Given the potential adverse impact of rising US tariffs on Sri Lanka’s economy and the need to diversify into new markets —particularly for the garment sector—what role can China play in enhancing the country’s industrial resilience and competitiveness?
The US’s protectionist measures contradict global trends and harm all parties involved. Imposing tariffs of up to 44% on Sri Lankan exports, especially apparel, has created substantial challenges. In response, China will continue to support Sri Lanka’s industrialisation and market diversification. Key initiatives include the development of Colombo Port City, Hambantota Port, and the proposed Sinopec oil refinery. Policy consistency and investor-friendly reforms are crucial to sustaining foreign investment. In that context, the upcoming visit by Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao with an economic and trade delegation is expected to unlock fresh opportunities for deeper bilateral cooperation.
Q: With exports to traditional markets under pressure and an urgent need to diversify, how can Sri Lanka better leverage its partnership with China to expand both its export destinations and product offerings?
Sri Lanka and China should expedite efforts to finalise a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Negotiations have been stalled since the sixth round in 2017, despite China’s readiness. An FTA would allow Sri Lanka to benefit from access to the world’s second-largest economy, just as many other developing nations have. Fears that such an agreement would disadvantage Sri Lanka are unfounded. In 2024, China’s foreign trade volume exceeded $ 6.1 trillion, while trade with Sri Lanka accounted for just 0.087% of that. The Rice-Rubber Pact of the 1950s is a testament to China’s fairness—even then, with a fragile economy, China offered generous concessions. Today, as a more advanced economy, China has even less reason to exploit Sri Lanka. Concluding an FTA would help Sri Lanka integrate more deeply into global value chains and boost economic recovery.
Q: China has supported major infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka, including the Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port. How do these align with the country’s long-term economic vision, and what safeguards are in place to ensure their strategic and financial sustainability?
China has helped upgrade Sri Lanka’s infrastructure significantly, enabling the country to overcome structural bottlenecks. Projects like the Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port are now key engines of economic growth, both recently recognised by the Sri Lankan government as major FDI contributors in 2024. As the Chinese saying goes, “If you want to get rich, build roads.” We believe the Sri Lankan people will make full use of this infrastructure in the economic recovery process. China remains committed to working closely with Sri Lanka to accelerate the development of these strategic assets, ensuring that they contribute meaningfully and sustainably to the country’s future.
Q: In light of ongoing concerns about debt sustainability linked to Chinese loans, how should Sri Lanka balance its need for infrastructure development with responsible fiscal management?
Sri Lanka’s debt issues stem from a range of factors—not from Chinese financing. Some narratives, particularly the so-called “Chinese debt trap,” are politically motivated and lack factual basis. China’s infrastructure financing in Sri Lanka has focused on productive sectors such as power, logistics, and transportation, with the goal of enhancing economic self-sufficiency and resilience. The Colombo Port City project, notably, did not cost Sri Lanka a single rupee. A report by Johns Hopkins University details the facts behind the Hambantota Port project, showing China stepped in only after other potential partners—including the US, Japan, and India—declined to assist. Far from being a source of debt distress, China’s role has been that of a facilitator and partner in Sri Lanka’s long-term development.
Q: Beyond economics, what steps are being taken to deepen cultural and educational exchanges between Sri Lanka and China—especially considering the deep historical ties between the two nations?
China and Sri Lanka share a deep-rooted cultural heritage. From the voyages of Faxian and Zheng He to the recent inclusion of the “Stele for Buddhist Temples of the Kingdom of Kotte” in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, our cultural bonds continue to grow stronger. China has promoted a variety of cultural exchanges in Sri Lanka—from Chinese New Year celebrations and tea festivals to Tai Chi exhibitions and the Dragon Boat Festival. Since 1975, China has offered thousands of scholarships and training opportunities to Sri Lankan students and professionals. The “Chinese Ambassador Scholarship,” launched in 2016, has benefited over 1,000 individuals. Four Confucius Institutes and numerous “Chinese Culture Classrooms” now operate across Sri Lanka, with plans for more. Next month, we will co-host a “China–Sri Lanka–Maldives Tourism Forum” and a Dragon Boat race with Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Sports and Youth. We’ve also donated five dragon boats for the event. These efforts reinforce our people-to-people ties and mutual understanding.
Q: Looking ahead, what should be the priority areas in Sri Lanka’s partnership with China, and how do you see this relationship evolving over the next decade in a shifting global landscape?
Earlier this year, during President Disanayake’s state visit, both nations committed to building a China–Sri Lanka community with a shared future. China believes in long-term partnerships and shared prosperity. The scope for cooperation is extensive, and the future is promising. We are expanding collaboration in areas such as trade, agriculture, climate change, education, marine research, youth development, think tanks, sports, media, health, and security. Buddhist exchanges remain a central pillar. No matter how the global order evolves, the historical logic of our friendship and the internal momentum driving it will remain strong.
Q: You have been a good friend to Sri Lanka. What more can we do to strengthen economic and cultural ties?
China and Sri Lanka are more than partners—we are brothers. Our cooperation has become a model of South-South collaboration. As the only country with a full range of industrial categories and leadership in infrastructure and emerging technologies like AI, 5G, and clean energy, China remains committed to supporting global development—especially in countries like Sri Lanka. Moving forward, we must deepen collaboration in both traditional sectors and new frontiers. Let us jointly uphold multilateralism, pursue common development, and ensure a more stable and equitable global environment. The future of China–Sri Lanka relations is bright, and we are committed to walking this path together.
