The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to extend visas for foreigners unable to leave Sri Lanka due to the cancellation of flights as a result of the Middle East conflict, since February 28, 2026.

Under the decision, affected travellers will be granted a 14‑day visa extension free of charge. If cancellations continue, their visas will be extended for a further 14‑day period without fees.

The measure was introduced by the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, who emphasized the need to provide legal facilities for stranded passengers until alternative travel arrangements can be made.

This move ensures that foreigners impacted by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East can remain in Sri Lanka lawfully while awaiting new flight options. (Newswire)

The post Sri Lanka approves free 14-day visa extensions for stranded foreign travellers appeared first on Newswire.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) states that 279,328 tourists arrived in the country in February 2026.

According to the SLTDA, this is a 16.2% increase compared to the number of arrivals in February last year.

The latest data released by the SLTDA shows 47,679 tourists arrived from India in February 2026, which is 17%.

In addition, 30,788 travellers from the United Kingdom, 23,099 from Russia, 22,566 from Germany, 20,180 from China, and 17,174 French nationals also arrived in Sri Lanka during February.

Accordingly, the number of tourist arrivals from January 1 to February 28, 2026, is 556,655.

Out of this, 99,740 tourists came from India, 50,233 from Russia, and 60,328 from the United Kingdom, the SLTDA said.

Full report : https://www.sltda.gov.lk/storage/common_media/Weekly_Report_1st_to_28th_February_2026.pdf (Newswire)

The post Sri Lanka sees 16% rise in February tourist arrivals appeared first on Newswire.

The Ahangama Police have taken legal action against nine foreigners who were riding motorcycles without valid driving licenses.

These individuals, who had arrived on tourist visas, were examined yesterday in front of the Ahangama Police.

The group of foreigners is scheduled to be produced before the Galle Magistrate’s Court today for further legal proceedings. (Newswire)

The post 09 tourists face legal action for riding motorcycles without licenses appeared first on Newswire.

A total of 158,787 tourist arrivals have been recorded during the first 18 days of 2026, according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).

Official SLTDA data shows 58,822 tourists arrived in Sri Lanka in the first week of January (01-07 Jan) and 62,592 tourists visited Sri Lanka from 08-14 January. 

The SLTDA reports 37,373 tourists had arrived in Sri Lanka between 15 and 18 January 2026. 

The highest number of tourist arrivals was from India (28,686), followed by Russia (16,956), the United Kingdom (15,189), Germany (10,837), and France (7,508), rounding up the top five source markets.

Tourist arrivals have also been reported from Australia, China, Poland, the USA, and theNetherlands during this period. 

Full report: https://www.sltda.gov.lk/storage/common_media/Weekly_Report_1st_to_18th_January_2026.pdf (Newswire)

The post Over 158,000 tourist arrivals recorded in first 18 days of January appeared first on Newswire.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) states that a total of 269 tourists were affected due to the impact of Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka. 

Issuing a statement, the SLTDA said that the largest affected groups include 52 Indians and 40 Bulgarians.

The SLTDA said that the tourists are being located and confirmed safe. 

Reaffirming its commitment to ensuring visitor safety, the SLTDA added that with attractions open, services restored, and international arrivals resuming, Sri Lanka is ready to continue its journey towards recovery and growth. (Newswire)

The post SLTDA confirms 269 tourists affected by Cyclone Ditwah, assures safety appeared first on Newswire.

Minister of Transport Bimal Rathnayake says the temporary licences issued at the Katunayake Airport to tourists do not consist of licences for three-wheelers. 

Addressing the Parliament today, Minister Rathnayake clarified that the temporary licences are only issued to tourists for light vehicles.

“The licences are only for light vehicles. The tourists are only able to use the licences for light vehicles used to transport themselves and their families while on holiday. They cannot drive any vehicle considered as public transport,” he said.

Clarifying that licences are not issued to tourists for three-wheelers, he said this was after considering safety risks and unfairness to those in the three-wheeler industry. 

“Previously, three-wheeler licences were issued. However, we are not issuing such a licence. We have instructed the authorities to halt the issuance of three-wheeler licences under this system. This decision has been taken after considering the dangers to tourists and the impact on the three-wheel community,” he said. 

Minister Bimal Rathnayake said that the aforementioned regulations are strictly followed when issuing licences to tourists at the Katunayake Airport, as well as the Department of Motor Traffic Office in Werahera.

He further acknowledged that the fee charged for the issuance of temporary licences for tourists was low, stating that the government hopes to increase the fee in the future. 

“Representatives from tourism organizations met with us regarding this matter. During the discussion, they raised concerns that the current fee of Rs. 2,000 is too low. We acknowledge that as well; it’s roughly equivalent to six US dollars. According to the relevant gazette, we are authorized to charge this amount. That’s why we currently maintain the Rs. 2,000 fee. We intend to propose an increase in these charges to the Cabinet. Upon receiving Cabinet approval, we hope to publish new regulations through a gazette notification,” he said. 

The Transport Minister added that this would allow the authorities to raise the fees charged for temporary licenses issued to foreign nationals. (Newswire)

The post Tourist driving licence : Govt considering increasing rates appeared first on Newswire.

The office of the Department of Motor Traffic, established within the premises of the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake, has issued driver’s licences to 1,338 foreign tourists.

According to reports, this licensing counter was set up on 03rd August to facilitate self-driving options for foreigners visiting Sri Lanka. 

Previously, tourists seeking a driver’s licence had to visit the Department of Motor Traffic office located in Werahera.

According to the Department of Motor Traffic,  between 03-07 August, a total of 1,338 licences were issued, with the highest number being issued on 07th August.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Tourist Drivers’ Association has expressed opposition to the issuance of driver’s licences to foreigners for a nominal fee of Rs. 2,000.

Its representative, Amila Koralage, stated that this move has created significant unfairness for those engaged in the profession. (Newswire)

The post Over 1000 tourists get driving licences, Tourist drivers object appeared first on Newswire.

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has reopened registration for authorized retailers under the Tourist VAT Refund Scheme (TVRS), enabling eligible businesses to offer VAT refunds to foreign tourists.

Under Section 58A of the Value Added Tax Act, retailers registered for VAT and displaying eligible goods at their business premises can now apply for TVRS authorization.

Application forms are available on the IRD web portal. Submissions must be made to the Large Taxpayer Refund Unit in Colombo.

For further assistance, the IRD Call Centre can be contacted via 011 213 4192 or 011 213 5435. (Newswire)

The post Inland Revenue reopens Tourist VAT Refund Scheme registration for retailers appeared first on Newswire.

Malaysian tourist Farah Putri Mulyani, who is on holiday in Sri Lanka, has rescued a local man who was drowning while bathing at the Diyaluma Waterfall.

Video footage recorded on the tourist’s personal equipment shows the man’s friends shouting for help to rescue their friend who had fallen into the water after stepping into the deep end. 

The female tourist who was in the vicinity is seen diving in and bringing the man to shore alive, after which he is escorted away by his friends.

Commenting on the incident on social media, Malaysian tourist Farah Putri Mulyani warned people to be aware of waterfall hazards. 

“This incident changed the tone of my trip. I think more people should be aware of waterfall hazards cos the pool can drop so deep and there’s no current underneath to help you swim! If you’re not a swimmer, this puts you in even more danger! Admittedly, I’ve been in reflective mode since” she said, in a post on social media. (Newswire)

Heroic rescue at Diyaluma Falls!

Malaysian tourist Farah Putri Mulyani saved a Sri Lankan from drowning after he stepped into deep waters.

She later urged awareness: *”Waterfalls can be deceptive! If you’re not a strong swimmer, it’s even more dangerous.” pic.twitter.com/wFGzbzhUnT

— Azzam Ameen (@AzzamAmeen) February 14, 2025

The post Malaysian Vlogger Heroically Saves Sri Lankan from Drowning (Video) appeared first on Newswire.

One person was reported dead and 12 tourists were injured when the private coach they were travelling in met with an accident on the Southern Expressway today.

The Police said the vehicle, plying from Colombo to Mattala, had collided with a lorry travelling in front between Aparekka and Beliatta around 5.15 am today. 

The driver of the coach had died on the spot, while the 12 foreign tourists in the vehicle had sustained injuries. 

The injured tourists had been admitted to the Beliatta Hospital following the incident, after which 07 had been transferred to the Tangalle Hospital for further treatment. (Newswire/ Image – Accident1st)

The post One dead & 12 tourists injured in Southern Expressway accident appeared first on Newswire.

Sri Lanka Police will implement a special security programme centred on tourists visiting Sri Lanka during the upcoming holiday season.

Issuing a statement, the Police said the security plans are being implemented keeping in mind the ongoing wars in the Middle East and Eastern European countries.

The Police further said the security plans being made together with the State Intelligence Services (SIS) are being done on the instructions of the Ministries of Defence and Public Security.

Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasuriya is set to issue directives to all Police Stations in this regard. 

As an initial measure, tourists in distress can contact the Police via the special emergency hotline 1997.

The Police added that measures will also be taken to address various issues faced by tourists, such as robberies and harassment. (Newswire)

The post Security of foreign tourists in Sri Lanka : Statement from Police appeared first on Newswire.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed to improve health facilities in areas with minimal health services for the benefit of foreign tourists.

The agreement was jointly signed by the Ministry of Tourism, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and the Ministry of Health to strengthen the tourism sector in Sri Lanka.

Under this programme, the SLTDA, with the support of the Ministry of Health, has provided financial aid to 04 hospitals with minimal health facilities to establish comfortable paying wards for foreign tourists visiting the country. 

The Dambulla, Bandarawela, Pottuvil and Tissamaharama hospitals are to be developed under the said project.

A financial allocation of Rs. 80 million has been made, out of which Rs. 20 million each will be facilitated for the establishment of paying wards at the four hospitals. 

Minister of Health Dr. Ramesh Pathirane and Minister of Tourism Harin Fernando participated in the event held yesterday to sign the MOU in this regard. (Newswire)

The post Rs 80 million to strengthen 4 rural hospitals in tourist hotspots appeared first on Newswire.

A car transporting a French family of three has met with an accident after colliding with a bus in the Mirisgoniyawa area on the Dambulla- Habarana Road this morning (Mar 04). 

It is reported that a bus travelling from Trincomalee to Colombo had collided head-on with a car travelling from Dambulla to Habarana. 

According to the Police, a French couple and their 12-year-old son had been travelling in the car at the time of the accident.

The child and driver of the car had sustained minor injuries in the accident and have been admitted to the Dambulla Hospital. 

The Police further said that a female Buddhist monk who was travelling in the bus had also sustained minor injuries in the accident and was also admitted to the Dambulla Hospital. 

The driver of the bus has been apprehended, while the Dambulla Police is conducting investigations into the accident. (NewsWire)

The post Bus collides with car transporting foreign tourists appeared first on Newswire.

United Republic Front (URF) Leader MP Patali Champika Ranawaka has condemned the recent incident involving the alleged harassment of Russian tourists at a beach hotel in Sri Lanka, stating it is deeply regrettable and unacceptable. 

Issuing a statement, MP Champika Ranawaka said Sri Lanka and Russia have enjoyed a longstanding and strong diplomatic relationship, built on mutual respect and cooperation. 

MP Champika Ranawaka pointed out that such incidents tarnish the reputation of both countries and undermine the goodwill that exists between them.

“As a party, we strongly urge the government to take immediate and decisive action to investigate the matter thoroughly and apprehend the culprits responsible for the harassment. It is essential that justice is served swiftly and that the guilty parties face the maximum punishment under the law if found culpable.

“Furthermore, steps should be taken to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future and that the safety and well-being of all tourists, including Russian visitors, are safeguarded. The relevant authorities must prioritize the protection of tourists and uphold the standards of hospitality and respect that Sri Lanka is known for,” he said.

Reaffirming commitment to maintaining the strong and friendly relations between Sri Lanka and Russia, MP Champika Ranawaka called on the government to take all necessary measures to preserve and strengthen these ties. 

“Let us work together to ensure that all visitors to Sri Lanka, including Russian tourists, feel welcomed, respected, and safe throughout their stay,” he added. (NewsWire)

The post Incident of harassing Russian tourists : Patali calls for action appeared first on Newswire.

Tourist arrivals crossed the 150,000 mark in November 2023, recording the highest tourist arrivals for the year so far.

According to Sri Lanka’s Tourism Ministry, a total of 151,496 tourist arrivals were reported for the month of November. 

In November, India continued to rank as the largest source market for Sri Lanka, accounting for 20 per cent of the arrivals, while Russia ranked as the second largest, bringing in 16 per cent of the tourists. 

In third place was Germany, which accounted for 8 per cent of the total arrivals for the month. 

The other key source markets for tourist arrivals for the month included the United Kingdom, Australia, China, the United States and France. 

With the tourist arrivals reported for November 2023, Sri Lanka’s total tourist arrivals for the first 11 months of the year stand at 1.27 million. (NewsWire)

The post Highest : November tourist arrivals crosses 150,000 mark appeared first on Newswire.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has urged officials to accelerate efforts towards the goal of attracting 5 million tourists annually to Sri Lanka. 

The President engaged with a committee responsible for assessing the progress of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry enhancement program and proposing measures to establish the country as a prominent tourist destination.

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), several directives were issued by the President during a meeting at the Presidential Secretariat held on Wednesday (16).

During the discussion, comprehensive plans spanning short, medium, and long terms were thoroughly deliberated upon to enhance Sri Lanka’s appeal and comfort for tourists. President Wickremesinghe inquired about ongoing plans and the role of the private sector in promoting the nation’s tourism industry. Officials briefed the President on current initiatives and emerging trends.

According to the recommendations set forth by the committee tasked with establishing Sri Lanka as a leading tourist destination, the Ministry of Tourism and its affiliated bodies are formulating a strategic plan for up to 2025. Remarkably, 95% of this plan has already been completed.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe also directed officials to identify a suitable location, in collaboration with the private sector, for the establishment of a high-class hotel school in Sri Lanka.

To enhance lodging options for tourists visiting Sri Lanka, the President issued additional directives. Officials have been tasked with investigating and compiling a report on currently unused buildings and historic bungalows. Additionally, they are to explore a program to unearth unexplored destinations and conceive new projects in tourist-centric areas.

With the aim of fostering a favourable investment climate, the President’s plan involves the establishment of an Investment Infrastructure Corporation, alongside the formation of a decision-making council. Emphasizing the significance of Provincial Tourism Boards across all 09 provinces, the President advocated for the creation of regional committees under each board.

Minister of Tourism Harin Fernando, shared that several tourism promotion initiatives have been devised in anticipation of the forthcoming Asia Cup. 

He highlighted the unexplored potential in Central and Uva provinces, particularly in the Central Province where air quality remains pristine. Minister Fernando proposed developing this province as a sustainable tourism hub.

Addressing congestion issues at airports and parks, Minister Harin Fernando underscored the focus on enhancing visitor amenities. (NewsWire)

The post President reveals Sri Lanka’s tourism target appeared first on Newswire.

A van transporting foreign tourists has fallen into a precipice in the Heevalkandura area on the Wellawaya- Koslanda Road early this morning (July 26). 

According to Ada Derana, the van is reported to have veered off the road and fallen into the precipice. 

Four foreign tourists and the driver of the van were inside the vehicle at the time of the incident.

The group is reported to not have sustained any serious injuries, while the vehicle had been severely damaged. 

The Koslanda Police is conducting investigations into the incident. (NewsWire / Pic- Accident1st)

The post Van with foreign tourists topples into a precipice appeared first on Newswire.

Exclusive counters will be available for foreign travellers arriving at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake, the Controller General of Immigration & Emigration said today.

The Controller General of Immigration & Emigration further stated that the exclusive counters will be available for foreign travellers from this evening. 

Exclusive counters have been made available for foreign tourists based on the recommendations of the Tourism Development Committee appointed by the President. (NewsWire)

The post Exclusive counters for foreign tourists at BIA appeared first on Newswire.

Sri Lanka is set to receive its first group of post-pandemic Chinese tourists after becoming one of the first 20 countries to resume the organization of outbound group tourists from China since COVID-19, the China Daily reported.

According to the report, the flight of Chinese tourists will depart from the Shanghai Pudong International Airport on March 3.

“We are expecting Chinese tourists to come back soon, but their particular interest has been to countries closer to China,” Anura Fernando, the consul general of Sri Lanka in Shanghai, said during an interview with China Daily about the country’s eagerness to receive more tourists from China.

As soon as the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced the decision to allow travel agencies to resume booking groups to travel to 20 countries and regions on Feb 6, the Sri Lanka consul general began to work closely with travel agencies and other partners to reopen direct flights between Shanghai and Colombo.

With its tropical climate, as well as rich and diverse cultural heritage, Sri Lanka has been a popular destination for holidaymakers from around the world. In 2018, the country received a record number of 280,000 tourists from China.

“Since most Chinese haven’t travelled out of the country for three years, they are looking at closer destinations,” he says, adding “but I think Sri Lanka should be attractive to most Chinese tourists”.

He notes that the rich heritage of Buddhist culture, tea plantations, and gemstones, as well as its natural beauty and water activities, are all appealing to Chinese tourists. Now that the pandemic is over, and Sri Lanka has emerged from the economic crisis, Fernando hopes that “this year tourists’ numbers will increase to about 1 million”.

China is the biggest trading partner of Sri Lanka and the largest source of foreign investments. With the signing of a free trade agreement expected to be made this year, Fernando believes the trade volume will increase between the two countries.

One of the first countries involved in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, Sri Lanka has witnessed major projects constructed by China, such as the Port City in Colombo that kicked off in 2014. The construction process was slowed down because of the pandemic, and now that the Chinese workers are returning, he says the construction has restarted, with a new international financial centre expected to be completed in the coming two years when it will start functioning.

Sri Lanka has a large Chinese community so “Chinese tourists are very much at home”, with Chinese restaurants and Chinese-speaking tour guides.

“We have a lot of cultural bonding,” Fernando says. “As much as we need the foreign currency, we also need more friendship with the Chinese people”.

From the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall in 1973 to the Lotus Tower unveiled in 2019, China has helped construct monumental structures in Sri Lanka, which are evidence of the close ties between the two countries. This year marks the 20th anniversary of “sister cities” ties between Shanghai and Colombo, and the consul general hopes more cultural, tourism and business communication could enhance the friendship between Chinese and Sri Lankan people. (NewsWire)

The post Wave of Chinese tourists expected to visit SL in March appeared first on Newswire.