Wednesday Mar 11, 2026
Wednesday Mar 11, 2026
Wednesday, 11 March 2026 01:51 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Cabinet of Ministers at their meeting on Monday approved granting 14-day visa extension free-of-charge to foreign nationals unable to leave the country before the expiration of their visas due to ongoing flight cancellations in the West Asia region.
The move also allows that if cancellations continue, their visas will be extended for a further 14‑day period without fees.
“Recognising the special situation, it is necessary to provide facilities for these individuals to remain legally within the country until alternative travel arrangements can be made,” Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday.
Since 28 February, several foreign travellers scheduled to depart Sri Lanka have been stranded after their flights through the West Asia region were cancelled.
Dr. Jayatissa said the move ensures foreigners affected by the closure of airspace amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East can remain in Sri Lanka lawfully while awaiting new flight options.
The proposal to this effect was submitted by Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Amanda Wijepala.
