Mass Exodus Order: Sri Lanka Demands Russian and Ukrainian Tourists to Leave Amidst Controversy

02 March 2024, 02:29 PM IST Iconic Image | Photo by N.M. Pradeep

UA few days ago, Sri Lanka issued an order for the Ukrainians and Russians who could not return after the start of the campaign to leave the country within two weeks. Sri Lanka has asked thousands of Russian, Ukrainian and Israeli citizens living in Sri Lanka on expired extended visas to leave. The order in this regard was issued by Sri Lanka Immigration Controller last Saturday. This action follows the discovery of the Sri Lankan government that they are occupying all the important tourist centers of Sri Lanka and the local residents are suffering.

After the war started, tourists from both countries were stranded in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is canceling their extended visas. Visas were extended to them considering the conditions in their countries and given humanitarian considerations. But taking advantage of this situation, these travelers have started restaurants and nightclubs in major tourism centers, employing only foreigners and adopting illegal methods for money transactions, according to the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The government was ready to take action when the opposition of local residents against them intensified and started campaigns on social media.

Tourists from Russia, Ukraine and Israel have taken over tourism centers including the famous beaches in the southern regions of Sri Lanka. They used to fire the Sri Lankans who were working here and take the stand that only ‘whites’ are enough. Sri Lankans were not even allowed to enter here. There are also indications that some Russian nationals have also started illegal businesses. Sri Lankan police raided such establishments. Reports indicate that the Sri Lankan government is not currently considering applications for visa extension.

The civil wars and subsequent terrorist attacks have devastated Sri Lanka’s economy. To overcome this, Sri Lanka has recently relaxed the rules in the tourism sector. Tourists from many countries were given on-arrival visas and visa-free entry. With the outbreak of war in February 2022, thousands of Russian and Ukrainian nationals arrived in Sri Lanka. According to official figures, 300,000 Russians and 20,000 Ukrainians arrived in Sri Lanka after the war. Considering the international situation, the Sri Lankan government extended their visa several times. But after they took over these areas, many Sri Lankans living here have literally become refugees here, according to reports.

There are reports that the Russians have taken a lease for 100 years including the land here. Under Sri Lankan laws, foreigners can start small companies in the country. But now, apart from hotels and resorts here, trekking packages, adventure activities, bike rental and tour guiding are being run by foreigners. They charge tourists twice as much as the local tourism companies. Sri Lankan media Daily Mirror reports that they have even started parallel systems for money transactions here. They target tourists from their own countries and European countries. The protest became strong and the government intervened when there was a situation where local residents were kept away even from public places in tourism centers.

At the same time, President Renil Wickremesinghe’s office has informed that the evacuation order was issued to the citizens of both the countries without the approval of the Cabinet and it was ordered to be investigated.

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2024-03-02 08:59:33