The attention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is drawn to several recent media reports alleging that Sri Lankan leaders and senior government officials have been denied visas by some of the Diplomatic Missions in Colombo.

Regarding recent media reports on the denial of a visa by the British High Commission, the Ministry wishes to clarify that there was no rejection of a visa to the former Foreign Secretary.  The British High Commission in fact informed that they were seeking to facilitate the issuance of the visa in keeping with their procedures in respect of the type of visa applied.  

In this regard the Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledges that the issue of visas for bona-fide travel of Sri Lankan nationals is the prerogative of the issuing States. 

Any attempt to cast aspersions on our strong bilateral relations with a friendly country is regretted. 

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Colombo

11^th September 2009