Sri Lanka announces free visa for Pakistani citizens

Sri Lanka has announced free visas for Pakistani citizens in a move aimed at promoting tourism and strengthening people-to-people ties between the two countries.

According to media reports, Sri Lanka's Consul General in Pakistan, Sanjeewa Pattiwila  said online visa applications submitted by Pakistani nationals are being processed within 48 hours.

The consul general said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation in areas including education, trade, investment and defence.

He added that the simplified visa process would facilitate greater exchanges among businesspeople, students and tourists.

Sri Lanka is also actively promoting itself as a preferred destination for Pakistani travellers, highlighting its beaches, cultural heritage sites, wildlife parks and hill resorts as key attractions.