Govt. clarifies security measures for Israeli tourists amid visa-free entry debate

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa 

• Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa insisted any security provided is in line with standard protections for all tourists
• Asserts list of countries eligible for free-visa was drawn up with input from Tourism Ministry based on two main criteria—volume and earnings 
• Cites former administration’s decision to provide security for Israeli aircraft arriving in Sri Lanka with conditional Cabinet approval in May 2024
• Notes discussions underway to explore resumptions of direct flights between Sri Lanka and Israel later this year

By Charumini de Silva

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa yesterday denied claims that Israeli nationals visiting Sri Lanka are receiving special security arrangements, insisting that any security provided is in line with standard protections for all tourists.

Addressing the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing, he said that Police and military personnel deployed in areas such as Arugam Bay are there to safeguard visitors regardless of nationality. 

“If there are places where Israeli nationals congregate, the Government will provide security as they are considered common tourists. This is not any form of special security,” he added.

Dr. Jayatissa stressed that protecting international visitors was a national responsibility of the Government. “There has been an increase in the number of tourists coming from countries including Israel. We have prioritised providing security to all foreigners visiting Sri Lanka, regardless of their country of origin,” he added.

The clarification follows recent reports suggesting that senior Foreign Affairs Ministry officials pressing for visa-free entry for Israeli nationals. 

Responding to these queries, Dr. Jayatissa said the list of countries eligible for free-visa was drawn up with the input of the Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Ministry based on two main criteria—the number of tourist arrivals and the foreign exchange earnings they generate.

“The Government hasn’t looked at any country from a different angle. The basis for selecting these countries was the dollar income we receive and the number of tourists arriving. It is very clear why those countries were selected,” he said.

During the first seven months, Sri Lanka drew 13,014 tourists or 1% of the 1.36 million total arrivals so far in 2025, ranking as the 20th top source market. 

D. Jayatissa recalled that during the former administration, decisions had been made to provide security for Israeli aircraft arriving in Sri Lanka. On 16 February 2024 Sri Lanka and Israel signed an agreement to initiate direct flights between Colombo and Tel Aviv (https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Deal-signed-to-start-direct-flights-between-Sri-Lanka-and-Israel/44-758572). In May 2024, Cabinet of Ministers of the previous Government granted conditional approval for direct flights from Israel (https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Conditional-Cabinet-approval-for-direct-flights-from-Israel/44-748906).

However, no Israeli flights have landed in the country since May 2024. 

He indicated that discussions are now underway to explore the resumptions of direct flights between Sri Lank and Israel later this year.

Meanwhile, Aeroroutes reported that Arkia – Israeli Airlines from September 2025 plans to resume service to Sri Lanka, last served until May 2024 (https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/250804-izsep25cmb).

Upon service resumption on 23SEP25, the airline’s Tel Aviv – Colombo route to be operated by Gullivair Airbus A330-200 aircraft.

The airline schedules one weekly flight for the remainder of summer season. Schedule below focuses on the month of October 2025: 

• IZ639 TLV2000 – 0755+1CMB 332 2

• IZ640 CMB2110 – 0355+1TLV 332 3