Sri Lanka still welcoming Russian tourists

2 March 2022 08:54 pm - 13 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

Despite the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Sri Lanka is still welcoming tourists from Russia as Russia continues to be the leading market for Sri Lanka Tourism.

Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) Chairman Upul Dharmadasa said despite Russia's invasion of Ukraine, there was no huge impact on the arrival of foreign tourists, but the number of tourists from other countries, was expected to exceed the Russian and Ukrainian figures.

He said that there are no passenger arrivals from Ukraine due to the country's closure of its airspace for civilian flights, but there Russia continiued to be a strong market. Sri Lankan flights were operating between the countries, Dharmadasa said.

"Tourists have confidence in our country, especially the way we handled the tourists and handled the COVID-19 situation in Sri Lanka. Russia continued to be a strong market for Sri Lanka," he said.

According to the Civil Aviation Authorithy, flights are still operating to Russia and Ukraine, but flights arriving from those countries are limited. Passenger flights operate in both countries using alternative routes.

A total of 22,787 tourists from Russia arrived in the country during February. More than 3,000 foreigners arrived on the last day of February. Between 2500 and 3000 tourists have arrived in the country even during the month of January. while on Mrach 1, 3,724 passengers arrived in Sri Lanka.

Recently, the government decided to extend visas for 11,463 Russian and 3, 993 Ukrainian tourists in Sri Lanka for a period of two months free-of-charge due to the on-going conflict between Ukraine and Russia. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 13

Sandy Thursday, 03 March 2022 09:58 AM

Ukraine was the major supplier of weapons to LTTE , LTTE leaders themselves have acknowledged this.

Sanath Thursday, 03 March 2022 10:03 AM

We are welcoming any devil as we are in a dire state. Beggars have no choice.

Mohan Thursday, 03 March 2022 10:08 AM

Yep Anything for money

Gerald fernando Thursday, 03 March 2022 10:19 AM

The present government is bunch of corrupt, ignorant arseholes with no scruples whatsoever.

shiha Thursday, 03 March 2022 10:25 AM

Not only Russia but also Ethiopia will be welcomed in the current situation

Александр Thursday, 03 March 2022 10:58 AM

Aeroflot is planning to operate Sri Lanka 04 flights from 11th March onwards Direct Moscow to Colombo and back

Karalasingam Sivalingam Thursday, 03 March 2022 10:59 AM

Welcome all tourists with PCR negative test results. Dollars more important at the moment.

Leonard Thursday, 03 March 2022 02:26 PM

Most of the readers' comments above show their simplistic understanding of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, probably influenced as they are by the mainstream media's coverage. Russia has its reasons for invading Ukraine. Sri Lanka is right to maintain a neutral stance and, in any case, there is no reason why Russian tourists should not be welcome.

H Wickramasinghe Thursday, 03 March 2022 06:11 PM

I think their were reports fighter jets were operated by Ukrainian pilots.

Thiagan De Croos Thursday, 03 March 2022 10:40 PM

The Russian Tourists are here to spend whatever they can and have a good time, if possible. Obviously they have nothing to do with the war in Ukraine as far as we are aware. Politics is a complex and very intricate game, that is in fact destroying our planet. It is essential that we do not make a Hodge Podge of an intricate situation. We should welcome anyone who can bring legal foreign exchange to our beautiful but poor country. Right??

Frustrated lankan Friday, 04 March 2022 06:40 PM

who cares? ITS ALL FOR THE MONEY BABY!!!!!

Ranjan Thursday, 10 March 2022 10:17 AM

Minister, How about a Boat Service for foriegners who cant afford a plane ride?

Shan Thursday, 10 March 2022 10:19 AM

Devalue the SL Rupee even more. More tourists may come.

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Sri Lanka still welcoming Russian tourists

Comments - 13

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Most Viewed in News

Street food vendor arrested for verbally harassing foreigner

Uma Oya Development Project inaugurated

Racing event tragedy leaves seven dead including eight-year-old child

Sri Lankan among NASA’s new crew for next simulated Mars journey

Ranil Wickremesinghe caravan moves on despite barking dogs

New Visa procedure implemented

MIRROR CRICKET

Is Chamari Athapaththu Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketer ever?

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

No footboard riding allowed, no liability for accidents: Railways Department

Six patients claim Rs.600 million from Keheliya and others for permanent loss of sight

SLPP, UNP initiates action for forming broad alliance

Here is the way!

Pakistan lose key players for last two T20Is against New Zealand

Sri Lanka secures third spot in South Asian Kurash Championship 2024

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Army forms committee to probe Diyatalawa Fox Hill Supercross accident