A chaotic scene unfolded at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) last night (1) as uproar ensued following the contentious takeover of the on-arrival visa issuance process by an Indian company.
Accordingly, this move was executed without the cabinet's approval.
The Indian firm imposed an additional $25 charge on top of the standard $75 fee, sparking outrage among travellers.
Social media footage captured lengthy queues at the airport, with one Sri Lankan citizen vocally protesting the Indian company's control over visa issuance.
He vehemently objected to foreign nationals dictating visa statuses, emphasizing his rights as a taxpayer and expressing dismay over the government's decision to outsource to an Indian entity instead of local firms.
The situation escalated as the individual confronted Indian visa officers, questioning their authority and criticizing the government's preference for foreign companies over local employment.
Foreign travellers also lamented prolonged wait times, with some enduring delays of over two to three hours to secure their visas.