Sri Lanka has reinstated the previous ETA based visa issuing system allowing all foreigners to apply for visas under this system.

In April this year, Sri Lanka’s Department of Immigration and Emigration switched to a new visa portal, roping in a private consortium under which visa fees was raised. Earlier last month, the island’s Supreme Court had suspended a contract given to the private consortium to deal with visa issuance. The court had also ordered to reinstate the previous Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system run by state owned Mobitel.

Minister for Public Security Vijitha Herath noted that many foreigners faced difficulties in the new visa facility. He added that in consultation with the Attorney General, the government took immediate steps to comply with the court’s decision.