The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) called on the Sri Lankan government to
urgently resolve ongoing challenges related to the issuance of short term business visas,
which have been halted since August 2.
JAAF noted that all official foreign business visitors, including buyers, machinery suppliers,
and technical service providers, have faced significant hurdles entering Sri Lanka due to the
lack of a proper business visa issuance system.
While tourist visas are available on arrival, there is currently no facility to issue business
visas through this channel. Foreigners arriving for short term business visits are not eligible
for tourist visas, leaving a critical gap in the country’s ability to accommodate overseas
business visitors. JAAF points out that these visitors are essential to the nation’s economic
recovery, particularly in sectors like apparel and manufacturing, where international
engagement is vital for exports and business expansion.
Adding to the confusion, the immigration website remains outdated, offering no helpful
guidance for business visitors seeking entry to Sri Lanka. This lack of clarity is creating
further uncertainty, impacting the flow of international business. Additionally, while there
have been discussions around visa-free entry for 35 countries, the implementation of this
policy has been delayed, further complicating the situation.
“Sri Lankan enterprises are at a critical juncture in their ongoing recovery efforts. At such a
moment, it is incumbent on the Government to take all possible measures to streamline the
flow of not just goods, but also personnel. Business travelers often have specific
requirements, including the need to carry samples, documents, and other material while
traveling. For the benefit of Sri Lanka’s business and export community, swift action is
needed to implement a solution that facilitates international business travel and restores
confidence in Sri Lanka as a business-friendly destination,” JAAF Secretary General Yohan
Lawrence said.
Accordingly, JAAF urged the Government to authorize Sri Lankan embassies overseas to
issue short-term, single-entry business visas as an interim solution. This would ensure that
genuine business visitors can legally travel to Sri Lanka on the appropriate visa preventing
further disruption to trade and industry.
Recent discussions with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and the Sri
Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) suggest that efforts are being made to resolve the
issue. However, no timeline has been provided, and businesses continue to experience
significant delays and uncertainty.
