High Commission of Sri Lanka in India

High Commissioner Austin Fernando calling on Odisha Governor Prof. Ganesh Lal

The Sri Lankan High Commissioner meeting the Minister of State for Tourism
Odia Language, Literature and Culture Jyothi Prakash Panigrahi.

Sri Lanka and the State of Odisha in India have sought to further enhance connectivity between them, capitalizing on the centuries-old strong historical linkages. The possibility of further strengthening these ties was discussed when Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India Austin Fernando visited the State of Odisha from 24-27 August and met with State authorities for discussions. 

Participants of the Workshop

 A participant receiving his certificate from High Commissioner Austin Fernando

Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India Austin Fernando requested the members of the Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI), to support promoting Sri Lanka’s Ramayana Heritage sites among the Indian travelers, which will create a win – win situation for the respective stakeholders. The High Commissioner made this request at a workshop on “Sri Lanka’s Ramayana Heritage Sites”, organized by the Sri Lanka High Commission in association with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and the Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) at the High Commission premises on 21 August 2019.   

During his recent official visit to India, Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade, Malik Samarawickrama met the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry of India, Piyush Goyal and conveyed his best wishes on being re-appointed as a Cabinet Minister.  

Representations have been made to the Sri Lanka High Commission in New Delhi by persons who have applied for online visa (ETA) to enter Sri Lanka, through the websites of various private institutions/ on line electronic contact links and failed to obtain visas.

Some have complained of not receiving any response at all, while some others complained on high charges made on their applications. Some representations, therefore, have been made to the High Commission requesting for reimbursement of money that had been paid to such institutions, which are not owned by the Government of Sri Lanka.

To avoid such pitfalls, the High Commission advises applicants to adhere to the following procedures in obtaining visas to Sri Lanka.

01. To visit the official ETA website of the Government of Sri Lanka via the URL www.eta.gov.lk and apply for visas directly; or

02. To visit Sri Lanka Diplomatic Missions in New Delhi, Chennai or Mumbai and apply visas by submitting completed visa application form, two photographs and return air ticket.