COLOMBO – Civil society groups, human rights activists, and lawmakers in Sri Lanka are calling on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to immediately revoke visa-free entry for Israeli nationals, citing ethical, humanitarian, and national security concerns tied to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The outcry follows the Sri Lankan government's recent decision to expand its visa-free travel policy to 40 countries — including Israel — in a bid to revive tourism and accelerate post-crisis economic recovery, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath announced last month.
But the inclusion of Israel has sparked widespread protests and condemnation, with demonstrators taking to the streets in Colombo and outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, accusing the government of abandoning its long-standing support for Palestine.
Activists Condemn “Rewarding” an Aggressor
At a protest outside the presidential secretariat on Tuesday, activist Thanzeela Ousman said the policy was announced “while the world is witnessing what even Israeli human rights groups are calling a genocide in Gaza.”
“Instead of applying pressure on Israel to end the violence, our government is offering red-carpet access,” she said. “At a minimum, we should suspend this policy and reevaluate our diplomatic and ethical responsibilities.”
National Security Concerns Raised Over IDF Connection
Sri Lankan lawyer and rights activist Swasthika Arulingam warned that allowing Israeli citizens — who are mostly compulsory military personnel under Israeli law — poses a potential security risk.
“Most Israeli adults are connected to the IDF (Israel Defense Forces). Encouraging them to enter tourist hotspots here is reckless,” she told Arab News.
“This is like inviting accused war criminals for leisure in Sri Lanka — it’s morally and politically indefensible.”
Historical Support for Palestine Undermined
Sri Lanka has officially recognized the State of Palestine since 1988 and consistently backed UN resolutions condemning Israeli aggression. Activists say the new visa policy contradicts this historic position.
“This policy is a betrayal,” said Arulingam. “It’s like inviting Nazis to Sri Lanka during the Holocaust. There’s no neutrality when genocide is happening.”
Documented Misconduct and Community Outrage
Concerns over Israeli tourists are not new. Earlier this year, Sri Lankan authorities responded to multiple complaints in Arugam Bay, where Israeli visitors were reportedly involved in illegal and disruptive activities.
Rights groups have since demanded special screenings for Israeli arrivals, especially after at least one tourist was identified as an IDF soldier accused of war crimes.
“This opens the door for fugitives from international justice to walk freely in Sri Lanka,” said MP Mujeebur Rahman in a letter to the president.
“This is a shameful decision. Palestine is excluded from the visa-free list, while those credibly accused of genocide are welcomed.”
Civil Society Demands Accountability
Despite mounting protests, the Sri Lankan government has yet to issue a formal response to the calls for policy reversal.
Shaamil Hussein, a member of the Free Palestine Movement of Sri Lanka, criticized the silence from the government.
“Many Sri Lankans empathize with the Palestinian struggle,” he said. “The visa policy is a betrayal of our nation’s values and risks Sri Lanka being seen as complicit in genocide.”
Gaza Crisis: The Human Toll
Since October 2023, Israel’s military campaign has killed over 61,100 Palestinians and wounded more than 151,400, according to Gaza health officials. A study published in The Lancet in January 2025 estimated the death toll may be underreported by 41%, excluding indirect deaths caused by starvation, lack of medical care, and infrastructure destruction.
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