High Commission of Sri Lanka in India

In the wake of the discovery of a fast spreading new strain of Coronavirus in certain countries, the Government of Sri Lanka has decided to continue with the existing procedure of obtaining prior approval from the Foreign Ministry and the Civil Aviation Authority for all inbound travellers to Sri Lanka.

The revised guidelines on repatriation will be issued once the situation has been reappraised. 

The procedure for inbound travellers to Sri Lanka, introduced since March 2020 is hereby revised as follows, based on the joint decision made by the Foreign Ministry, the Department of Immigration and the Civil Aviation Authority and as agreed by the Presidential Task Force for Economic Revival and Poverty Alleviation.

Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda met with the Indian High Commissioner Gopal Bagley on 7 December 2020 at the Foreign Ministry. The two Ministers discussed matters of mutual interest with the Indian High Commissioner, mainly focussing on the Palk Strait fisheries issue and possible post Covid-19 mutual cooperation.

It was agreed to find solutions to the existing fisheries matters through the established bilateral mechanisms, including the Ministerial-level India-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group on Fisheries. The fourth Meeting of the Bilateral Working Group on Fisheries that was scheduled for last January was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic situation. Both sides endorsed to convene the Working Group meeting virtually at the earliest, while assurances were given to maintain the standard procedures in dealing with mid-sea encounters.

During the post pandemic period,  Sri Lanka Tourism intends to engage prospective travelers through " live streaming programs" by sharing and engaging content of our many attractions and resources. 

The objective of the initiative is for travellers to engage with brand "Sri Lanka" virtually and have a positive experience that would keep Sri Lanka as their "must travel" destination once the borders open for visitors. 

Accordingly, Sri Lanka Tourism will commence by showcasing our rich flora and fauna through virtual tours of Minneriya, Kaudulla, Udawalawe and Yala National Park. 

The virtual tours titled " Go on a couch safari" will showcase Sri Lanka wildlife to the world through the wildlife streaming programme starting from 4th November to 13th November 2020.

The streaming website - www.srilanka.travel/wildlife streaming. No Registration Fee.