The phrase “Whites only” policy in Sri Lanka refers to a discriminatory practice where certain establishments, typically businesses such as restaurants, nightclubs, or hotels, enforce a rule that only allows entry or preferential treatment to individuals of Caucasian or European descent. This policy explicitly excludes individuals of other racial or ethnic backgrounds, particularly locals or non-white foreigners, from accessing the services or facilities offered by these establishments.
The implementation of such a policy reflects racial prejudice and discrimination, perpetuating inequality and exclusion based on race or ethnicity. In Sri Lanka, reports of “whites only” policies have sparked public outcry and raised concerns about discriminatory practices in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Authorities have been urged to address and prohibit such policies to promote inclusivity and equal treatment for all individuals, regardless of their race or ethnicity.
In response to growing concerns over illicit activities and overstaying, Sri Lanka has issued a directive urging hundreds of Russians and Ukrainians with expired visas to leave the country within a fortnight. Immigration authorities have cited the expiry of visas as the reason for this move, which comes amidst public outcry over reports of Russian-operated businesses engaging in unauthorized activities and enforcing discriminatory practices.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Sri Lanka’s Directive | Sri Lanka advises hundreds of Russians and Ukrainians with expired visas due to the Ukraine conflict to depart within two weeks. |
| – Immigration authorities cite expired visas as the reason for the directive, following public concerns over Russian-operated businesses engaging in illicit activities. | |
| – Directive comes amidst allegations of “whites only” policies and overstaying, with reports of Russians and Ukrainians setting up unauthorized establishments. | |
| Concerns Raised | – Sri Lankan Tourism Ministry receives complaints about Russians and Ukrainians overstaying visas and engaging in illegal business activities. |
| – Allegations include running restaurants and nightclubs, employing foreigners, and using non-native payment methods to bypass local regulations. | |
| Minister’s Statement | – Tourism Minister Harin Fernando acknowledges complaints, particularly about Russians operating illicit enterprises in the southern region. |
| – Confirms raids conducted in consultation with immigration authorities to address the reported issues. | |
| Presidential Inquiry | – President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s office orders an investigation into the decision to mandate the departure of Russians and Ukrainians without Cabinet endorsement. |
| – President’s Media division clarifies that the government has not formally decided to revoke visa extensions for Ukrainian and Russian tourists. | |
| Tourism Measures | – Sri Lanka initiates visa-on-arrival for 30 days and allows extensions up to 6 months to revitalize the tourism sector amid the country’s economic downturn. |
| – These measures aim to attract tourists and boost the economy, particularly following the decline in tourist arrivals due to the pandemic and economic challenges. | |
| Impact of Ukraine Conflict | – Post-February 2022 conflict between Russia and Ukraine, a significant number of Russian and Ukrainian tourists were allowed to stay in Sri Lanka. |
| – Approximately 300,000 Russians and 20,000 Ukrainians have visited the island since then, contributing to the tourism industry. | |
| – Exact number of Russians and Ukrainians with prolonged visas in Sri Lanka remains undisclosed, raising concerns about overstaying and unauthorized activities. |
In response to growing concerns over illicit activities and overstaying, Sri Lanka has issued a directive urging hundreds of Russians and Ukrainians with expired visas to leave the country within a fortnight. Immigration authorities have cited the expiry of visas as the reason for this move, which comes amidst public outcry over reports of Russian-operated businesses engaging in unauthorized activities and enforcing discriminatory practices.
The directive follows complaints received by Sri Lanka’s Tourism Ministry regarding Russians and Ukrainians overstaying their visas and allegedly setting up unauthorized establishments such as restaurants and nightclubs. These establishments are said to have employed foreigners and utilized non-native payment methods, bypassing local regulations.
Acknowledging these complaints, Tourism Minister Harin Fernando confirmed that raids had been conducted, particularly in the southern region, targeting Russian-operated businesses engaged in illicit enterprises. However, questions have been raised regarding the decision to mandate the departure of Russians and Ukrainians without formal Cabinet endorsement, prompting an inquiry from President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s office.
While the government has not officially decided to revoke visa extensions for Ukrainian and Russian tourists, the directive reflects Sri Lanka’s efforts to address concerns and maintain regulatory compliance in the tourism sector. In a bid to revitalize tourism amid economic challenges, Sri Lanka recently introduced visa-on-arrival for 30 days and extended visa durations up to 6 months.
The aftermath of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine in February 2022 saw a significant influx of Russian and Ukrainian tourists to Sri Lanka. Approximately 300,000 Russians and 20,000 Ukrainians have visited the island since then, contributing to the tourism industry’s growth. However, the exact number of individuals with prolonged visas remains undisclosed, raising concerns about overstaying and unauthorized activities.
As Sri Lanka navigates these challenges, the government aims to strike a balance between promoting tourism and ensuring regulatory compliance, fostering a conducive environment for both tourists and local communities.
