Explore the recent decision by Sri Lanka to end visa extensions for Russian and Ukrainian tourists amid war avoidance, its impact on local tourism, and the ensuing diplomatic and social media controversies.

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In a move that has captured international attention, Sri Lanka has recently updated its visa policy, affecting hundreds of thousands of Russian and Ukrainian nationals who have sought refuge in the island nation amidst ongoing conflict.

This decision, driven by various factors, including economic considerations and local grievances, underscores the complexities of global migration trends and the challenges faced by host countries.

Below, we break down the situation, its implications, and its spurred reactions.

A Shift in Policy

Understanding the Decision

Sri Lanka’s government has communicated to a significant number of Russians and Ukrainians—individuals who have been staying in the country to avoid war—that they are required to leave within the next two weeks.

This directive, issued by the immigration controller to the tourism ministry, marks a stark shift from the nation’s previous stance.

Key Dates: The notice specifies that those affected must depart by 2nd March, considering the notice date was 23rd February.
Numbers Affected: Official data reveals that over 288,000 Russians and nearly 20,000 Ukrainians have travelled to Sri Lanka in the past two years.

Visitor Statistics

Nationality	Number of Visitors
Russian	>288,000
Ukrainian	~20,000

Government Stance: The Commissioner-General of Immigration cited the normalization of flight situations as the reason behind not granting further visa extensions.

Also Read: Complete Worldwide Visa Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Global Visas

Behind the Scenes

Investigation and Clarifications

The sudden announcement has prompted President Ranil Wickremesinghe to order an investigation, highlighting concerns over potential diplomatic tensions.

Reports suggest the notice might have been issued without the necessary cabinet approval, indicating internal discrepancies within the government.

Presidential Action: An investigation into the notice’s issuance is underway to mitigate any unintended diplomatic fallout.

Impact on the Community

The presence of Russian and Ukrainian nationals has been subject to controversy.

Allegations of unregistered businesses and exclusionary practices have emerged, particularly in the tourism sector.

Local Complaints: Authorities have received reports of illegal business operations by some visitors, leading to official raids.
Social Media Backlash: There has been a significant uproar over “whites only” policies by certain Russian-run establishments.

Economic Context and Tourism

Striving for Recovery

Sri Lanka’s decision comes when the country is desperate to rejuvenate its tourism sector, following the severe economic downturn since 2022.

Introducing visa-on-arrival and extension policies was part of efforts to attract more visitors.

Economic Crisis: The nation recently faced its worst economic crisis, defaulting on a $46 billion debt and experiencing widespread protests.

Economic Recovery Measures

Measure	Description
Visa-on-Arrival and Extensions	Initially aimed to boost tourism.
Investigation into Unregistered Businesses	Addressing local and international concerns.

Balancing Acts and Future Directions

Sri Lanka’s visa policy shift is a microcosm of nations’ broader challenges when hosting many visitors or migrants, particularly during global unrest.

Balancing economic recovery, local sentiment, and international relations will be crucial for the country.

Key Considerations:

Diplomatic Sensitivity: Ensuring decisions do not inadvertently strain international relations.
Economic Imperatives: Tourism as a vital lifeline for economic recovery.