The Sri Lankan government rejected reports that new visa screening processes would result in visas not being issued, stating that visas would be issued "without any special test or delay irrespective of their country of origin".
“Any foreigner who hopes to visit Sri Lanka for business, leisure, educational or any other purpose can apply for a visa online and obtain visas for 30 days. After arrival the foreigners can extend their visa by applying to the Department of Immigration and Immigration” Sri Lanka's Immigration and Emigration head, Nihal Ranasinghe was quoted by the Daily Mirror as saying.
On Sunday the government announced it would be introducing screening for tourists from Syria, Pakistan, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon prior to the issuing of visas.
Screening will include looking for possible Islamic State links for those coming from Syria and Egypt, illegal immigrants from Nigeria and Ghana; and refugees from Pakistan.
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