Controversy over foreigners issuing on-arrival visas at BIA

2 May 2024 11:43 am - 134 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Colombo, May 2 (Daily Mirror) - Chaos broke out at the BIA last night following the controversial takeover of the on-arrival visa issuance process at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) by an Indian company.

This company has been charging an extra $25, whereas the Immigration and Emigration Department had been managing the process smoothly for several years.

Furthermore, the Indian company levied an extra $25 alongside the standard $75 fee.

When contacted, Controller General Harsha Illukpitiya of the Immigration and Emigration Department said that the visa issuance procedure was returned to their jurisdiction because the private company was unable to ensure a smooth operation.

The video circulating on social media depicted long queues at the airport. A Sri Lankan individual was seen blaming the Indian visa issuing officers, alleging that his wife's on-arrival visa was canceled.

He shouted, questioning how an Indian person could decide his or his wife's visa status and asserted his rights as a Sri Lankan citizen. He claimed he had the right to decide his own visa and emphasized his status as a taxpayer, stating he paid approximately Rs. 4 million rupees each year. He insisted on his right to raise his voice in this matter and showed disgust as to why the Sri Lankan Government had to sell the visa issuing system to an Indian company when there were several Sri Lankan companies who could handle that.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan individual questioned the Indian visa officer's authority to speak to him in such a manner.

He blamed the Sri Lankan Government for permitting Indian companies to operate in Sri Lanka, ignoring the local work force.

Some foreigners also claimed they had to wait for more than two or three hours to obtain their visas.

Comments - 134

Thank Thursday, 02 May 2024 11:50 AM

My car my petrol my road my driver. So my Parliament my house boys my idea that it NO QUALIFIES PLACE SHUT AND DO YOUR WORK.

Bandu Thursday, 02 May 2024 11:53 AM

Give it to a SL company. A minister probably got a nice cut for the Indian company. Its a den of thieves. Keep up the good work of exposing corruption.

Mohamed Zainudeen Thursday, 02 May 2024 02:07 PM

''Sleepy' learnt a trick or two from Keheliya'

shan Thursday, 02 May 2024 12:13 PM

It is a well known fact Indian service standards, customer care is poor since they are known for arrogancy. Sri Lankan service standards, customer handling and communication are many times better. Providing arrogancy as the first impression will not help Sri Lankan tourist industry.

Modi s 29th state Thursday, 02 May 2024 12:13 PM

Globalisation or Indianisation?

Kick the scum out Thursday, 02 May 2024 12:14 PM

Check the nimal “pervert” siripalas bank account and the solution will be found.

MT Thursday, 02 May 2024 12:16 PM

How come it has happened How is the responsible authority ?

Jagath Thursday, 02 May 2024 12:16 PM

Nice way to commemorate the may “workers “ day by our dirt bag politicians.

Sleazy president Thursday, 02 May 2024 12:17 PM

Ask ranil the traitor, I am sure he organised this.

Dicky Samuel Thursday, 02 May 2024 07:32 PM

Ranil is fully aware of this change in Visa processing. He doesnt have the "balls" to sack the minister cos he depend on these thieving scum in Parliment to keep him in power.

Ifthikar Thursday, 02 May 2024 09:25 PM

Definitely payback for Indians, who helped RW realise his dream of becoming tge President.

Nimal Thursday, 02 May 2024 12:18 PM

This is ridiculous. Who is responsible for this saga? Someone has taken commission for this. There was a smooth visa system before, now it is in utter chaos. Is this how they are promoting tourism?

Hassanda Thursday, 02 May 2024 12:18 PM

Wats happening to our Dignity hv our Crook politicians sold our country China

Navin Thursday, 02 May 2024 12:24 PM

Thanks for speaking out.

MirakRajBanda Thursday, 02 May 2024 12:25 PM

So disgusting!!!! VFS, Indian visa handling company, is well known for its Indian style bureaucracy, under paid employees, corruption and exorbitant extra levies (SMS- 400 LKR). I'm so surprised why they were handed over to perform such a task that is so sensitive and directly impact national interests. I know so many countries are cancelling their contracts with VFS and I urge Dept. Sri Lankan I

Gamini Thursday, 02 May 2024 12:27 PM

Let's wait and see what the 'real story' is ... may be there actually some transfer of functions effective 1 May ....

Mahadenamutta Thursday, 02 May 2024 02:09 PM

Gamini - Don't try to play it down !!! It's simply Wrong!! Wrong !!! Wrong !!! to have a foreign company making money out of visas to Sri Lanka!!! All money should come to Sri Lankans!!! Would India or UK or Singapore handover It's visa issuance process to a foreign company ???

Mahila Friday, 03 May 2024 01:08 PM

Gamini/Mahadenamutta, Study the ‘ISSUE AT STAKE’ and then, resolution is simple!! All, first world countries have 3rd party (mostly foreign) organisation Issuing Visas for entry, charging $25 on-line, "prior to embarkation of Journey", No waiting in QUEUES after Arrival at destination (Disembarkation Port) INCONVENIENT after hours of TIRESOME Journey, synonymous only with "Third World, Back-Water Countries"!!! Puts OFF, Tourists - Don't want wasted time in Airports disembarkation Lounges!? Ofcourse, Lankans different story - "Love it", as was experienced when Canadians completed BIA lounge in 1965/66!? Magic, extraordinaire for Lankans!!?? NOT so, for Foreigners!!?? 'Homes-of-theirs' equipped with – A/C, Heating Comforts!? Please contribute Knowledgeably, IF NOT, gain that prior to wildly accusing 'Bribe-taking' and compromising National Security!? NOT true!? FOREIGN agency, follows LANKAN LAWS, CRITERIA, closely supervised – Efficient SL Immigration Officials – ONLINE WORLD WIDE!!?

Sokrates Thursday, 02 May 2024 12:55 PM

The corrupt and crooked parliamentarians and ministers, who know full well that they will no longer be in the next parliament, are now trying to rush into dirty deals like this, liquor licenses and whatever, from which they still want to suck money, even if they have been out of parliament for a long time. In general, fees for visas of up to 1 month for tourists, regardless of the country, are detrimental to tourism. For $75 a tourist in Sri Lanka can get B

wsw Thursday, 02 May 2024 01:01 PM

Hats off to that brave patriot, taking it right up to this pesky Indian presence.

Mahadenamutta Thursday, 02 May 2024 02:12 PM

Hats off to him !!!

Aragalaya phase 2 Thursday, 02 May 2024 01:01 PM

Ranil go home

Be Fair Thursday, 02 May 2024 01:03 PM

US$ 25 per visitor, 2.5m tourists a year. a US$ 2 per Tourist to a interested party will be a Handsome Bonus.................

Gunadasa Thursday, 02 May 2024 02:05 PM

With new exorbitantly high visa fees we will not get 2.5m tourists per year. We are lucky if we get at least 1m visitors this year!

wsw Thursday, 02 May 2024 01:08 PM

Let's see what our honorable minister has to say about this, unpardonable to be outsourcing Sri lankas visa issuance process to a foreign entity, leave aside and Indian company. Shame shame shame !!!

Part of India Thursday, 02 May 2024 05:09 PM

Where were you all these days. Don't you remember the minister's speach in which he said SL is part of India. Accordingly, SLns need to obtain a visa to enter India and the process will be handled by Indians. Please note that the elections in India are conducted in several stages. The final stage will be in SL. LOL.

jack in the box Thursday, 02 May 2024 01:09 PM

Slowly slowly sell the country to India or to China. Good that he pointed out how our politicians are giving away everything!

Das Thursday, 02 May 2024 01:09 PM

banana republic can happened anything, no idea who is handling of the cabinet too?

wsw Thursday, 02 May 2024 01:10 PM

Waiting for the views of AKD, Sajith and others on this debacle ?

Ajmal Ahamed Thursday, 02 May 2024 01:11 PM

Inefficiency and corruption everywhere. This is the Norm in Sri Lanka

Sam Silva Thursday, 02 May 2024 05:48 PM

Not sure if everyone is aware. The Indian company is in charge of refueling all aircraft at the airport as per airport news.

Grace Thursday, 02 May 2024 01:17 PM

Please be reminded that Sri Lanka is a part of India as informed by Minister Harin Fernando. According to India's Constitution any Indian can work in any state for which there wasn't much outcry from our empty headed patriots and modern day Dutugemunus.

Punchi Thursday, 02 May 2024 01:17 PM

We fought a 30 year war to supposedly maintain our sovereignty. We impoverished in the process of doing so and for our salvation incrementally relinquishing our sovereignty to external forces. My experience of Indian immigration. After stamping my passport said to me “ you go you go”.

Ram Thursday, 02 May 2024 01:18 PM

These are all underhand work of the government. This Indian Company is likely to give commission to the involved politicians

Sunil Thursday, 02 May 2024 06:20 PM

Do you think Jeevan Thondaman is partner on this

Mandayan Thursday, 02 May 2024 01:22 PM

India’s previous Congress government introduced visa application processing by third parties in Western countries allowing them the charge extra and the corrupted Ministers getting their commissions. The people had to submit passport and application to them. They acted as couriers. This continued even after online visa issuing began. Then after many complaints, the BJP government changed it. Same thing may be happening in BIA. But issuing visa directly is something that government got to explain.

joshua Thursday, 02 May 2024 01:23 PM

Seems like as usual a greedy moron has got a cut. We should allow foreign companies to handle Visa at the airport. How can they dictate terms to Sri Lankans. The stinking politicians allow anything to be done for a quick buck.

Jayantha Thursday, 02 May 2024 01:24 PM

This should not be given to an indian or any other country. Identify the minister or higher authority and should be sacked immediately. This is a serious issue when it comes to national security as well.

What security Thursday, 02 May 2024 05:17 PM

Narional security is paramount any country. But for SLns what national security. Did you forget the civil war and Easter bombing? The civil war was fought with the help of more than 25 countries and there were no such foreign countries to prevent Easter bombing. In short SLns care too hoots for security.

jude Thursday, 02 May 2024 01:27 PM

This was a shady deal done by the minister who said sri lanka was a part of India and ranil who wants make sri lanka an indian state

Lafiri Thursday, 02 May 2024 09:12 PM

Definitely, he is a big crook.

Sinna Saturday, 04 May 2024 06:26 AM

He seems trying to show this is not within his responsibility but even before much observation,it’s clear this is Harin Fernando’s brain child and certainly he has a cut from each and every tourist

Kathir Thursday, 02 May 2024 01:29 PM

This is a very serious attitude of Ranil for allowing Indian company to work at our Airport Sri Lankans should remove this Indian company without any delay This is our Air Port Indian company has nothing to work here to earn their life

Asoosi Kutti Arachi Thursday, 02 May 2024 01:40 PM

We don't know what are the shadow deals have been completed. May be a kidney of each Sri Lanka has been sold. God bless Sri Lankans

Citizen Thursday, 02 May 2024 01:43 PM

Maybe in near future the Sri Lankans may have to take visa from India to visit Sri Lanka. God knows what damages these ministers doing with their power for this country.

Anthony Thursday, 02 May 2024 01:48 PM

This is crazy. First impressions count and when you have to stay 3 to 4 hours at the airport, it is crazy. Really Really bad. Government talks so much about tourism. Is this tourism??

Maqs Thursday, 02 May 2024 01:54 PM

Simply superb! I salute him for his courage. Well done, gentleman!

Charles Jansz. Thursday, 02 May 2024 01:57 PM

Must be all part of the "awareness" process of elections to which the SLPP and UNP have been invited by the BJP !!

Nilmini Welivita Thursday, 02 May 2024 01:58 PM

Sri Lankans are lazy and lazy efficient that is the reason why we have to outsource the work. Good move Mr. President.

Kumara Ilangasinghe Thursday, 02 May 2024 09:32 PM

Nilmini, my personal experience with Srilankan Visa Officers has been excellent. They are efficient and courteous as well. What benefits are you getting going to the "Kade" for your politician friends? Shame on you.

Modapala Friday, 03 May 2024 12:52 AM

So. You jumped from SLPP to UNP.Congratulations and what was the deal

Nandasena Hora Friday, 03 May 2024 04:28 AM

Why would you then outsource to Indians who are uneducated, stupid and corrupt. Indians were brought to this country to wash our toilets and were referred to as 'Sakkilli'.

M Fernando Friday, 03 May 2024 10:53 PM

Incorrect. They are an efficient bunch of people. Sure, they may not have the most winning smiles but that is the case in any immigration/border control line in any country

M Fernando Friday, 03 May 2024 10:53 PM

Incorrect. They are an efficient bunch of people. Sure, they may not have the most winning smiles but that is the case in any immigration/border control line in any country

Rishan Thursday, 02 May 2024 02:03 PM

AKD , SP to raise their voice in the parliament and good to have a time to discuss the truth about the indian company's contract.

Vincent Thursday, 02 May 2024 02:04 PM

My uncle went to SL for funeral from Europe, had to wait 5 hours in a queue and paid $90 yesterday. What a shame, it is happening in Sri lankan

slumdog Thursday, 02 May 2024 02:10 PM

we are only going to wake up ... when they all come and start pooping on our streets, and bring their violence against women and the rape culture here.. when they build the bridge its going to get worse... Danny Boyle showed the world the true India away from the glamour wake up citizens. In a way can blame the Indians for this saga,, some fake patriot lankan signed this off so that person is to blame. find out who DM

dinesh Thursday, 02 May 2024 02:12 PM

in banana republics these things happen...

Gune Thursday, 02 May 2024 02:20 PM

He is entirely right. Get RW to come to the airport now to sort this out. He says he has stabilised the country but how. By selling our rights to exist as citizens??????

Sam Thursday, 02 May 2024 02:21 PM

Sad that the people who gave the contract to an Indian company have ignored many Sri lankan companies when we all struggling. Who ever the minister or President advises should be brought to justice which is lacking in our country. It's true India helped us during the crisis, everything should be Indian. Who gave them the authorisation?? Is it Harin, Nimal or Sagala.

Lion Thursday, 02 May 2024 02:23 PM

This is how Ranil Rajapakdha is running the country and the rouges who called themselves a cabinet passes any thing given by Ranil Rajapaksha . Look at the SriLankan who is shouting at the Indian officers who are handling the visa section of the Airport. His outburst shows what is going to happen to this country under a rouge who was appointed by 131 well known rouges.Well done SriLankan you deserve commendation for highlighting this issue

Prof. Maheepala Thursday, 02 May 2024 02:25 PM

Harin Fernando once hinted on the same and if he has done in appropriately, should be given the same treatment as Keheliya Rabukwella.

Perera Thursday, 02 May 2024 02:27 PM

Typical frustrated Indian hating Sri Lankan. If the visa company was from Britain he would be asking them if they tried Sri Lanka kottu rotti.

Batta Thursday, 02 May 2024 02:28 PM

Rather than huffing and puffing here which is 0% waste of time. . Go learn the national anthem of India... in future u will.need it! I have learnt the Chinese too just in case!

iseeno Thursday, 02 May 2024 02:29 PM

Who cares????? Does the voter care???? We have 69 mil intelligent voters they will keep the rollacoaster going.... keep riding ...

Shehan Thursday, 02 May 2024 02:30 PM

This visa fee is ridiculous, had to pay 100 dollars with fees.

Danny Thursday, 02 May 2024 02:43 PM

Outsourcing the Immigration and Emigration duties is not allowed in constitution and we have a nutty commissioner who is going give a fantastic explanation. Now how many Indians got multiple or long term visas without the knowledge of the department or the government?

Indo lanka Thursday, 02 May 2024 02:44 PM

Some Indians still think that the island of sri lanka is part of greater Barathana region... May be 10.000 years ago.. They are still in stone age people. Sri lanka is a sovereign country.. They should know how to do business with us not exploit us

Gabriella Thursday, 02 May 2024 03:04 PM

All politicians operate without accountability. Their perception is that they are above the law. Here is an opportunity for the JVP/ NPP to exploit; inform the public what checks and balances will be introduced under their tenure to oversee all ministerial decisions and tender procedures to avoid these catastrophes. What we get instead is deafening silence. Which leads all of us to contemplate their (JVP/ NPP) competence and sincerity.

wsw Thursday, 02 May 2024 06:00 PM

I agree, beginning to doubt their sincerity as well. Let's hope someone raises this in parliament compelling these JVP/NPP folks to also raise the matter, even reluctantly.

Nifikumbhara Thursday, 02 May 2024 03:14 PM

Nimal Siripaala is rich further

Shanmugam Thursday, 02 May 2024 03:15 PM

Surely when our people are struggling with unemployment can’t these fools see how we are making the life of our younger generation miserable? It is a high revenue earning venture too.

Amaran Thursday, 02 May 2024 03:18 PM

I am VERY GLAD to note that one gentleman has the backbone to point the INDIANIZATION, which is detrimental to OUR BEAUTIFUL NATION. In the meantime, accept China's proposal for BIA expansion

Grace Thursday, 02 May 2024 03:32 PM

This is the beginning only. Ranil is testing the waters.

CitizenP Thursday, 02 May 2024 03:36 PM

Is Nimal Siripala is the minister in charge of of AirPort.?

Tissa Fernando Thursday, 02 May 2024 04:01 PM

After hearing the story , I felt disgusted .First time I heard that they are charging USD 75 for on arrival visa. And another USD 25 on top of that. Most countries charge amounts like USD 20 for a visa. Indian company to run the Airport immigration services , ??? This Harin Fernando is a traitor , He should be fired immediately.

Grace Thursday, 02 May 2024 04:18 PM

Our minority brothers and sisters! Our nature is we fight and the following day we wine and dine together. It is time for us to unite and voice against Indians secret occupation of our mother land. If not very soon Indians will snatch our job opportunities both in government and private sectors

Rajasegaram Thursday, 02 May 2024 04:18 PM

This is an utter nonsense.How Srilankan allowed foreign firm to issue Srilankan Visa? This is surrender of sorvegian status of the Srilanka. Do not repeat this. Harmful to country.

Shera Thursday, 02 May 2024 04:19 PM

Investigate. A minister must be involved otherwise such things cannot happen. Just think what would be going on if the proposed bridge connecting India and sri lanka is built!

Anne Feszczur Thursday, 02 May 2024 04:33 PM

There was a time when I paid nothing to visit my Motherland from Austalia. I wonder who go 10% ?

Yomariodk@gmail.com Thursday, 02 May 2024 04:38 PM

How on earth can an indian national decide the entry of passengers to sri lanka. Also indians are known to bad management of visa processes. Eg. Schenegen Visa approval.

Gonpart Thursday, 02 May 2024 04:50 PM

create a separate que(s) for Indian passport holders and let this company cater to Indian nationals. Let the rest to reach que(s) operated by Sri Lankan service team ( @ 75$). Problem will be solved, while everyone is happy !

Tissa Fernando Thursday, 02 May 2024 04:51 PM

So , Indians are getting USD 25 from each visitor to the country who requires visa on arrival. Now you realise that how these guys are getting returns for the credit line they provided. By providing a credit line of USD 4B to Sri Lanka, Indians achieved the following. 1. Export their substandard goods at a higher price 2. Sell cheap Russian oil at above spot market price, I.e.buy will fir USD 60 from Russia and sell it to SL at 120 plus. 3.Grab strategic assets at cheap or for free 4. Continue stealing the fish resources for free 5. Make some ministers to declare in public that Sri Lanka is part of India 6. Make visa free entry to Indians but still make Indian visa for Sri Lankans difficult. 7. Capture Airports and Ports. 7. More to come, this was just a start.

Gunathilaka Kamllaweera Thursday, 02 May 2024 04:53 PM

Acording to Haring fernando ,SL is part of India ,whats the wrong?

Tissa Fernando Thursday, 02 May 2024 05:20 PM

What is wrong is inability to distinguish the right or wrong. That us what is wrong. This is the price that Ranil is charging to protect Ali Raja and 40 thieves. Ranil is doing it through his henchmen like Harin, Manoosha, Prasanna, Lanza and few others. Ali Raja and 40 thieves cannot say anything against them.

Ifthikar Thursday, 02 May 2024 09:15 PM

That's a treacherous statement, Harin should be tried for treason.( according to our constitution)

Maithiri Thursday, 02 May 2024 04:54 PM

Next we will see us another counter by the Chinese doing the same at BIA, Kudos to Ranil!

Bokka Thursday, 02 May 2024 05:00 PM

Well done machan. You were heard by all and in agreement with everything you said

ceylonese Thursday, 02 May 2024 05:00 PM

Ranil, you lost my vote mate, hats off to this fellow Sri Lankan for standing up, why the heck couldnt a Sri Lankan company do this job?

Ranjith Fernando Thursday, 02 May 2024 05:26 PM

Nimal Komis Pala De Silva

Kumar Sandirasegaram Thursday, 02 May 2024 05:41 PM

The person who was ‘loud as Muck’and an exhibitionist. There was no need for him to attack the Indian personal who are doing a job required by thei employer. Deep down he is a racist and in my opinion he needs to see a shrink and seek anger management, he calls himself an educated person. I doubt that very much he’s nothing but a loudmouth racist.

Ifthikar Thursday, 02 May 2024 09:20 PM

That Sri Lankan man has every right to be angry, only a spineless third class citizen who live like a refugee or an asylum seeker would keep quiet. These Indian buggers are arrogant, they have forgotten their past, new Middle income category Indians think they are richer than Europeans...lmao.

wsw Thursday, 02 May 2024 05:45 PM

@Part of India- My comment was more rhetorical, most could read between the lines. Yes, off course, I am aware of the drama involving that smart arse loud mouthed minster who catered to the Indian gallery not so long ago just to score browny points. I suspect, quite a few including "Mr we are part of India" would have anticipated a share of the bounty, which thankfully went horribly wrong and got exposed.

I love sri lanka Thursday, 02 May 2024 06:15 PM

This is a crazy ridiculous situation. We aim to be an IT hub. We have ICTA, Nuclear Agency, Nano Tech Agency and all sorts of high tech agencies and departments that run on tax payer money. Why do we need to give this job to an Indian company? Why cannot ICTA take care of this? Worst case, is it absoutely impossible to find a Sri Lankan company owned and run by sri lankans to develop and run these systems? Are we so stupid and behind in IT there is no single company qualified to do this project? What is wrong with letting a local company profit from this and employee locals to do this job? It is total madness to just give these contracts away to foreign companies because all the officials and the ministers want the bribe payments. This needs to change and we should vote for anyone who will not do this kind of BS.

saman Thursday, 02 May 2024 06:17 PM

This is why we said that we have to chase this Pin Janadhipathi and Siripala and the other bunch of thiefs' and bring a strong and straight forward government like NPP with no hidden agenda.

Banda Thursday, 02 May 2024 06:21 PM

Tiran Alles must answer these questions. As we all know, he is one of the most corrupt men in the cabinet. We don't have to hand over things to foreign companies as long as we can do better and in an efficient manner. Stop this and cancel the agreement. If the government really wants it, they can hand over this operation to a Sri Lankan company with stricter guidelines.

Kathir Thursday, 02 May 2024 07:14 PM

Where is Arjuna Ranatunge?Minister of Tourisme of Sri Lanka Now is he became Minister of Indian Tourisme in Sri Lanka Why all these travel operators and Travel Agencies like Connaissance de Ceylon and Hemtour are in total silence???

Mahila Friday, 03 May 2024 01:38 PM

Kathir, “Why all these travel operators and Travel Agencies like ‘Connaissance de Ceylon’ and ‘Hemtours’ ARE IN TOTAL SILENCE???...” BECAUSE, THEY SEE ABSOLUTE SENSE IN THE MOVE, “ONLINE WORLD WIDE access to SL Visitor/Tourism VISAS, WITH NO QUEUES and TOURISTS “ON-THEIR FEET” AT DISEMBARKATION LOUNGE!!?? In SL now, DO PEOPLE NEED A LICENSE TO BE RIGHT-THINKING AND SENSIBLE!!?? NO DOUBT TAKES THE CAKE!!??? IGNORANCE, MUST ALSO HAVE LIMITAIONS – PRACTICAL!?

Pannindriya Thursday, 02 May 2024 07:38 PM

Sri Lanka country! How can India issue a Visa and collect money?

Punchi Thursday, 02 May 2024 09:20 PM

There is a video circulating of one Patriot screaming in Kaunayake that the Indians are issuing visas. Maybe this visa processing is a gift to India for their financial help and assistance at the IMF to obtain loans at the time of our financial crisis

T Sal Thursday, 02 May 2024 09:27 PM

Who is the local partner/ Director/sponsor of this Indian company?

Ravi Sene Thursday, 02 May 2024 10:52 PM

Ask Harin -SriLanka is a part of India

Pricitta Vethanayagam Thursday, 02 May 2024 10:57 PM

My husband went to SL for funeral from Europe, had to wait 5 hours in a queue and paid $90 yesterday. What a shame, it is happening in Sri Lankan.Earlier we paid only 35$.They removed the option 30 days visa through online visa application.

Ruben Huling Thursday, 02 May 2024 11:02 PM

Harin Fernando is the master brain behind this project of making Sri Lanka, a colony of Indians. This is tip of the iceberg. These fellows under Ranil has embarked on a quick project to destroy our sovereignty, independence and Sr Lankan identity before they are kicked out in November. Most likely, it is the part of the sinister plan to fund their election campaign with the help of Indian money and massive influx of Indians to vote in local elections.

Mahila Friday, 03 May 2024 01:27 PM

“SAME OLD HACK AND STORIES ABOUT RANIL AND FOLLOWERS, NOT BELIEVE IN NATIONAL SECURITY!?” That's a "LOAD of BULL" and RESULTANT ANIMAL EXCRETA, some as a hereditary Political practice - wallow in, akin to the habits of the 'WATER BUFFALOE'!!!??? We all know what happened, Post 2018 Easter Bombing, triumphant call for ‘Hitlerite Rule by Strong-man’ devoted to National Security!!!??? Starvation, Deprivation of Basics of Life and the Prodigy, went home unceremoniously, "NOT EVEN able to assure his OWN" in 2022!!?? You know what and why??? The much Proclaimed, Professed Security even for HIMSELF!!?? Sri Lankans get some Life instead, It's Time-up and forget for all-time BS!!?? RANIL hasn’t compromised National Security and for NEVER, will he!? PATRIOT LIKE HIM dream of SUCH!!!???

SL Friday, 03 May 2024 12:40 AM

This should be managed , officed by Sri Lankans,in every country,Visa offices are run by locals, VSF service is there every corner of the country .but run by Locals, I know one of my friend trying to visit SL soon already fed up off this service Shame on you Harin, hope you've got your fair share .

Mandayan Friday, 03 May 2024 02:38 AM

VFS Global, CEO and founder Zubin Jarkatia Born 1868 Education: R A Podar College Of Commerce and Evonomics, University of Mumbai!! And the Indian high commission, denys what? They robbed the British tourists with £150 per visa which was blamed to be at least 25% of the ticket fee and so now Indian Government gone for online visa fee saw significant reduction. After losing business, they now target Sri Lanka!

Danny Friday, 03 May 2024 02:44 AM

Minister De Siva outsourced to this company while Trustpilot review is 1.5/5 with heavy customer criticism in the UK where it operated. iOS is nothing but same old commission that the politicians want to share with this company out of $25.

Jeanne Friday, 03 May 2024 03:32 AM

Disgraceful!!! Time for Sajith to step in. We definitely are in dire need of someone who is in touch with the common man. Please vote wisely this time.

Jeanne Friday, 03 May 2024 03:38 AM

@i love Sri Lanka: Please vote for Sajith. He may be socially irritating but, tbh he is the only genuine article left in this country. He sincerely cares for its people.

sach Friday, 03 May 2024 03:46 AM

Ranil along with Indian government is building a bridge to physically connect India with SL. When will Sri Lankans realise the danger they are facing?

FredSnR Friday, 03 May 2024 03:52 AM

We have not just lost our sovereignty it seems, which is our ability to decide things for ourselves, we have also lost our dignity As for the Indians they must be thinking how foolish these Sri Lankans are and laughing all the way to the bank.

ANNECUNT Friday, 03 May 2024 04:25 AM

sri-lanka is a chinese coloney not indian coloney as MR

Ignatius Friday, 03 May 2024 05:33 AM

I told you so. Sri lanka oves money to other countries espcially India. Remember all those unwanted buildings. All with borrowed money and polticians NAMES. This is payback. Lot more to go.

Milan Kapila Friday, 03 May 2024 06:07 AM

Nimal uncle looking after the airport.God bless Sri Lanka!

R Navaratnam Friday, 03 May 2024 06:48 AM

There are ways and methods to address such concerns; not shouting with irrelevant contents. Very poor advertisement for Sri Lanka and Sri Lankan people.

Silly Point Friday, 03 May 2024 07:07 AM

I travel to Sri Lanka almost every year and never had a problem in getting a visa before. Why did the government change the system? Why would foreigners pay more because of the dubious actions of someone in the government?

Sambo Friday, 03 May 2024 07:39 AM

The politicians of this government will sell their own birth rights for a few buck but yet will defend it.

Ceylonese Friday, 03 May 2024 07:52 AM

We cannot blame the Government for taking thiis step because the Immigration

Purandhar Setlur Friday, 03 May 2024 08:08 AM

Police, custom officials, immigration officials all over the world are expected to be arrogant. Suck it up, answer their questions to the point (nothing more, nothing less), madam/sir them, and get out thanking them.

navratne willamune Friday, 03 May 2024 08:09 AM

when privatised profits are taken out of the country.esp if the people who do the work are not Srilankans, it is a loose, loose sitvation.Sl is not gaining any thing.

Ceylonese Friday, 03 May 2024 08:56 AM

This could be an exercise before the handing over of Sri Lanka's major international airports the Bandaranayaka Internatonal Airport Mattala Airport and the Ratmalana Airport to India's Gautam Adani Group who have signed an agreement with the Government to re-develop maintain and manage the countr'y's three major airports. This company has no doubt done an excellent job of work pertaining to the construction of some of India's' major airports at Bengaluru Chennai Delhi Mumbai etc. and maintain and manage the day to day functioning of the airports which will put Sri Lanka's major airports to shame.

Pasindu Friday, 03 May 2024 09:43 AM

he pays 4 million taxes as a Sri Lanka citizen and wants on arrival visa for wife....what a joke and moron

Francisco Friday, 03 May 2024 09:10 PM

Your the moran. His wife is French citizen.

Ignatius Friday, 03 May 2024 10:40 AM

Very suprised. This happened overnight. Where are the immigration officers, Airport staff etc. I think they all knew. Must have been a bribe to everyone. Keep your mouth shut . We will look after you.

Mahila Friday, 03 May 2024 12:12 PM

Kumar S., Sensible, Studied measured response to Issue by a cultured, educated and Knowledgeable person!?

Tania P Friday, 03 May 2024 04:08 PM

In principal I agree these are services we don't have to give outside of SL. But we dig our own grave with protests and demands that country cannot sustain. Good lesson to all us Lankans. If we dont do our job well, someone will take it over in this global economy

FredSnr Friday, 03 May 2024 06:02 PM

The global elite at play and India the beneficiary?Who will be the new Master? Or will the spoils be shared? We live in interesting times as the Chinese would say. Or are we thinking too negatively and all this is for Sri Lanka's benefit, only time will tell.

Sammy Friday, 03 May 2024 08:04 PM

This is highly absurd. Why should a relatively simple operation of visa issuance be handed over to an Indian or for thatmatter any foreign country? Some corrupt politician must be getting kickbacks.

manik Friday, 03 May 2024 08:07 PM

Huge mistake of the current government that does not represent the will of the people. They have undermined the sovereignty and the security of the nation willfully.

E T Friday, 03 May 2024 09:23 PM

What guarantees the sri lankan government gives its citizens that an unwanted indian or a terrorist who will vist srilanka will be stopped by this so called indian visa officers ??? This not only a joke to srilankas territorial integrity also a serious concern to the countries security....

ANNECUNT Friday, 03 May 2024 10:44 PM

how come NIMAL SIRIPALA got billions in his bank account

Mohamed Nasim Saturday, 04 May 2024 02:27 AM

My wife use to travel to SL couple of years back that time it is handled by two Sri Lankan immigration officers and the process were very smooth, that time it was charged $ 35, then it was $ 40, later it was increased to $ 60. But it was very quiet and only it took maximum 10 to 15 minutes

FredSnR Saturday, 04 May 2024 04:46 AM

If all goes according to plan Nimal's (and everyone else's ) billions will be digitized and placed in a centralized ledger. Own Nothing And Be Happy is the new mantra. Ask Ranil.

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Controversy over foreigners issuing on-arrival visas at BIA

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