The Sri Lankan External Affairs Ministry today denied reports that it had refused a visa to top US official Catherine Russell. The Ministry said such reports were a fabrication and incorrect.

“What has been reported is totally erroneous. Sri Lanka has not denied a visa to Ms. Russell as there was no reason for such a refusal. Her visit had to be rescheduled because if otherwise she would have been unable to meet some of those whom she planned to meet. These things happen, it’s a mere request to reschedule her visit,” External Affairs Ministry Public Communications Director Prabhashini Ponnamperuma said.

According to reports filed by foreign media, the Sri Lankan Government had refused a visa to Catherine Russell, the US Ambassador for Women’s Issues, forcing her to cancel a high level visit scheduled for this month.(Jehan Gunasekara)