Sri Lanka has reintroduced its online visa application system to boost tourism after the Supreme Court halted a controversial multimillion-dollar outsourcing deal. The new government, under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, made this decision to revive the island’s tourism industry as it continues to recover from the economic crisis of 2022.
Tourists can now apply for a visa online, free of charge, a significant change from the $25 processing fee previously imposed by VFS Global, an India-based company that had been awarded the contract under the former government. This contract had faced legal challenges, with activists raising concerns about transparency and potential financial gains for the consortium over a 16-year period.
In August, Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court ruled against the outsourcing deal, ordering the immigration department to revert to the prior online platform, which had been more efficient and accessible for tourists. President Dissanayake’s office noted that the VFS Global visa process had caused widespread inconvenience for travelers, leading to the immediate restoration of the previous system.
Furthermore, the immigration chief, Harsha Ilukpitiya, was arrested after failing to comply with the court’s ruling. The government has launched a forensic audit to investigate the irregularities surrounding the deal with VFS Global, GBS Technology Services, and IVS Global FZCO. Any unlawful activities will be met with legal action.
Tourists can now enjoy visa-free entry, encouraging a larger influx of travelers. Sri Lanka has already seen a 56% increase in tourism compared to the previous year, with 1.19 million visitors in the first seven months of 2024, according to central bank statistics. This policy change is expected to further drive tourism growth, enhancing the country’s recovery and promoting ease of travel.