Prime Minister Expresses Government Worries Over Business Activities on Tourist Visas
The government has expressed concerns regarding individuals engaging in business activities in the country while on tourist visas. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized that conducting business on a tourist visa is not permitted by law, and appropriate legal action will be taken against such cases.
These statements were made by the Prime Minister in response to a query raised by an opposition member during the parliamentary session held on January 8.
She further explained:
“Last year, 25,514 Israeli nationals visited Sri Lanka. Although the Department of Immigration and Emigration’s computer system records their arrivals as Israeli nationals, occupation details such as armed forces personnel are not specified. Engaging in business activities on a tourist visa is not allowed in this country by law. However, we are aware that tourists from various countries, including Israelis, are involved in business activities here. This is a concern we have identified, and discussions are ongoing to address it. Measures are being put in place to prevent such occurrences.
The government does not grant visas for investment projects, such as establishing businesses or industries, to tourists, including Israelis. Since 2020, no Israelis staying in the country without valid visas have been detained at police stations or operational units. Currently, only one Israeli national without a visa is in police custody.
We have a duty to safeguard tourists visiting our country. In relation to the incident at Arugam Bay, security measures were enforced in the area based on intelligence inputs.”
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya raised concerns about individuals conducting business on tourist visas in Sri Lanka during a parliamentary session on January 8. She highlighted that it is illegal to engage in business activities on a tourist visa and that appropriate legal action will be taken against those who do. The government does not issue visas for investment projects to tourists and is working to prevent individuals from various countries, including Israelis, from engaging in business activities in the country. The government is committed to protecting tourists and has implemented security measures in areas like Arugam Bay based on intelligence reports.
