The Sri Lankan government has made a major decision regarding entry into the country.
The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) system will be re-introduced, and starting October 15, all foreign travelers must obtain ETA permission before entering Sri Lanka.
The Immigration Department confirmed this in a statement on October 4.
Earlier, in April 2024, the ETA system was temporarily suspended and replaced by a new e-Visa platform.
However, due to a legal dispute, the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka ordered the cancellation of the e-Visa system and reinstated the old ETA system.
Opposition to the Decision
While the government plans administrative changes in the Tourism and Immigration Departments, it faces religious opposition regarding efforts to promote inclusion in the tourism sector.
Buddhist and Catholic leaders have expressed concerns, particularly about initiatives supporting the LGBTIQ community.
They strongly protested the Sri Lanka Tourist Development Authority’s approval of an NGO’s diversity programs.
Religious Protests
The controversy began after the Tourism Department issued a letter on September 9, commending the NGO Equal Ground for promoting diversity and equality in tourism ahead of World Tourist Day 2025.
Religious organizations objected, accusing the department of promoting “immoral homosexual activities.”
The heads of Sri Lanka’s four main Buddhist sects jointly wrote to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, condemning these actions.
Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, head of the Catholic Church, also criticized efforts to introduce “new and unacceptable cultural practices” in the country.
Appeals from Buddhist Leaders
Buddhist leaders have appealed to the President to stop activities they view as conflicting with Buddhist principles and traditional values.
They argue such initiatives “promote immoral homosexual practices” and send the wrong message to society.
Sri Lanka’s existing laws criminalize homosexual relations. Section 365 of the Penal Code prohibits sexual relations considered “against nature,” including consensual homosexual relations.
