The suspension of mutual on-arrival visa facilities between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka remains in effect, with Dhaka still awaiting official clarification from Colombo, according to Bangladeshi media reports.
Last week, Additional Foreign Secretary (Bilateral and Consular) Kamrul Ahsan met with Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Dhaka, Yasoja Gunasekera, and inquired about the rationale behind Sri Lanka’s decision to suspend on-arrival visas for Bangladeshi citizens, United News of Bangladesh (UNB) reported.
In response, the High Commissioner stated that she would consult with relevant authorities in Colombo and inform Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry once the reason was known.
However, a senior official at the Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry told UNB that no official response had been received from the Sri Lankan side as of yet, though feedback is expected soon.
According to reports, Sri Lanka halted the issuance of on-arrival visas for Bangladeshi citizens without prior notification, prompting Bangladesh to reciprocate by suspending the same facility for Sri Lankan nationals.
Diplomatic sources confirmed the tit-for-tat action but said they are hopeful for a resolution in the near future.
