Colombo (TDI): Sri Lanka has removed Pakistan from all “negative” visa lists following talks in Colombo between Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi.
The decision, announced on Tuesday, is expected to ease travel and business restrictions for Pakistani citizens and marks a renewed push to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
During the meeting, Naqvi raised concerns about difficulties faced by Pakistani travelers in securing Sri Lankan visas. President Dissanayake took “immediate notice” and directed authorities to remove Pakistan from all adverse visa categories without delay, according to official statements.
Met with Pakistan’s Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi and Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain today. We reaffirmed our enduring friendship, appreciated Pakistan’s support to Sri Lanka during difficult times. The visiting Pakistan delegation conveyed special thanks from… pic.twitter.com/v2wcIvlzJZ
— Anura Kumara Dissanayake (@anuradisanayake) February 16, 2026
The Sri Lankan leader also extended appreciation to Islamabad for its support during challenging times, including Pakistan’s participation in the ongoing T20 World Cup in Colombo and hosting arrangements for matches involving the Pakistan team.
The two sides discussed cooperation beyond visa facilitation. Talks addressed joint efforts in counterterrorism, anti-narcotics operations and joint training between security forces.
Both countries committed to exploring enhanced coordination in these areas, reflecting shared concerns about cross-border threats and organized crime.
President Dissanayake announced that Sri Lanka’s prime minister would visit Pakistan soon, further underscoring the intent to expand high-level engagement.
Read More: Naqvi, Sri Lanka’s Sports Minister Agree to Strengthen Cricket Cooperation
Pakistani officials reciprocated by inviting Sri Lankan leadership to Islamabad, with Naqvi conveying formal invites from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Analysts say the visa decision not only eases travel hassles for businesspeople, tourists, and students but also sends a broader signal of cooperation in South Asia.
Sri Lanka’s action comes amid its ongoing efforts to rebuild its economy and strengthen ties with traditional partners. For Pakistan, improved access to Sri Lanka can foster greater people-to-people contact and boost trade.
The developments follow a string of engagements between the two countries this month, during which both sides also agreed to develop a joint strategy against cybercrime and financial fraud and to expand collaboration on internal security matters, including illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
