Sri Lanka has revoked free long-term visa extensions for Russian and Ukrainian tourists, responding to controversy over a “whites-only” party organized at a Russian-run nightclub in Unawatuna.
The event’s cancellation led to the decision by the Sri Lankan Tourism Development Authority, effective from February 23.
The move, impacting visitors from the past two years, aims to address the aftermath of the nightclub incident, where a poster’s “Face Control: White” line stirred public outrage.
Despite the setback, Russians continue to play a significant role in bolstering Sri Lanka’s economy, experiencing a welcome revival after facing financial challenges in recent years.
