Associations representing the formal sector of the tourism industry have filed a Fundamental Rights Petition in the Supreme Court challenging the new tourist visa process that was introduced without any forewarning in April 2024.

Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO), The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL), Association of Small & Medium Enterprises in Tourism (ASMET), Sri Lanka Association of Professional Conference Exhibition Organizers (SLAPCEO), Ceylon Hotel School Graduates Association (CHSGA) and the Tourism Alliance are the joint petitioners.

The associations asserted that the new process is “creating chaos for potential tourists”. 

In a joint statement, the associations pointed out the new process has turned out to be detrimental to the industry as it has created confusion and chaos in a system that was otherwise very simple, user-friendly and well accepted, as one of the best in the region.

The Department of Immigration and Emigration has signed a tripartite contract with GBS Technology Services and IVS Global FZCO being the prime contractor and VFS Global being the technology partner for the government’s new E-Visa solution.