SL-Maldives in talks to ease visa process

Internal Affairs Minister Vajira Abeywardena and Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid had a discussion on Thursday to ease the visa process for Maldivians wishing to reside in Sri Lanka.   

The discussion was mainly focused on how to expedite student visas and medical visas for Maldivians as every year a number of Maldivians visit Sri Lanka to study and seek medical services, the Internal Affairs Ministry said in a statement.  

“Met with Minister Vajira Abeywardena and discussed the changes made by Sri Lanka to their visa regime. Very encouraged by the cordiality and the assurances,” Shahid tweeted following the discussion. 

Shahid also met with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday. During the discussion cooperation on visa issues were also discussed. 

The visa on arrival program for 39 countries, which was scheduled to implement form 1 May had been put on hold following Easter Sunday attacks. 

The program was targeted to increase tourist arrival to the country during the six months of off-season period starting from May to October.