• Around 20 percent of Russian tourists tend to stay longer

By Kelum Bandara   

Young Russian men who arrive in Sri Lanka as tourists opt to stay longer in an apparent bid to avoid mobilization of them to fight war in Ukraine, an official said .  Former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia Udayanga who coordinates Russian tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka told Daily Mirror that around 20 percent of Russian tourists tend to stay longer. 

Mr. Weeratunga said most tourists aged 30-40 had cancelled their return tickets.  

“They normally come for ten days. But, they can stay up to six months. They can extend it even for nine months. This will have both positive and negative effects. If these tourists venture out to do different businesses, it will trigger protest from locals,” he said.  

Commenting on Azur Air starting flight operations, he said there would be seven flights a week from Russia bringing tourists.  

“Both Azur Air and Aeroflot will operate flights,” he said.