Sri Lankan govt assures continued ease in obtaining visa

The Srilankan government will continue its practice of providing an easy visa obtaining experience for Maldivians, the country's Foreign Ministry assured Thursday.

In a statement issued by Maldives' Foreign Ministry, it was announced that Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer paid a curtesy called to Sri Lanka's Public Security Minister Tiran Alles yesterday, as part of his official visit to the neighbouring country.

During the meeting, both ministers discussed the current visa obtaining difficulties faced by Maldivians who travel to Sri Lanka. As such, Minister Zameer requested Minister Alles to provide a swift solution to these issues which have risen following recent on arrival visa regulation issues of the country.

"In light of the concerns [risen by Minister Zameer] Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles assured in writing that Maldivians will receive a 90 day on arrival visa into the the country without any issues, as per the visa facilitation agreement signed by both countries," the ministry's statement reads.

Additionally, Minister Alles also assured that a reasonable solution will also be provided to the annual visa fees international students in the country who are from Maldives have to pay.

Minister Zameer concluded his three day visit to Sri Lanka and returned back to the Maldives last night. The visit was by invitation of Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Mohamed Uvais Mohamed Ali Sabry.

During the visit, Minister Zameer paid a courtesy call on President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and reviewed the existing relationship between the two countries and explored avenues for further cooperation.

The Minister met with other high level personnel, businessmen, and Maldivians who reside in the country as well.