Special Visa Category Proposed for SAARC Countries by Sri Lankan MP Namal Rajapaksa: Maldivians to Benefit

MALE, Maldives - A groundbreaking proposal has been put forth in Sri Lanka's parliament, which could significantly facilitate travel for Maldivians visiting Sri Lanka. MP Namal Rajapaksa has suggested the preparation of a special visa category for visitors from SAARC countries like India, Bangladesh, and Maldives, specifically for education and health purposes.

During a recent meeting of the sectoral oversight committee (SOC) on International Relations of the parliament of Sri Lanka, MP Namal, who is also the chair of the committee, made this pivotal proposal. He expressed the need for a more flexible and easily operated system for granting visas to eligible visitors from these neighboring countries.

The proposal comes as an enhancement to the already existing ease that Maldivians enjoy with regard to visa procedures when traveling to Sri Lanka. Thousands of Maldivians reside in Sri Lanka for various purposes, including education, business, and holidays. The special visa category, if implemented, would further cement the relationship between the two nations, benefiting many.

Maldives and Sri Lanka have a longstanding history of strong and brotherly relations. The new proposal, according to MP Namal, is aimed at strengthening these bonds further, focusing particularly on educational and healthcare sectors, where a significant number of Maldivians seek services in Sri Lanka.

MP Namal's initiative is being viewed as a progressive step towards more inclusive and accessible travel between the SAARC countries, building upon the community's shared cultural and regional ties.

A vast number of Maldivians could reap the benefits of this proposal if it comes to fruition, enhancing not only the convenience of travel but also the collaborative opportunities in education, healthcare, and other fields between Maldives and Sri Lanka.

As of now, the proposal awaits further deliberation and approval within the Sri Lankan parliamentary system. However, it has already sparked interest and optimism among Maldivians, as well as among other members of the SAARC community.

The move resonates with the values of cooperation and regional integration that SAARC seeks to promote, and it highlights the spirit of neighborliness that has always been a defining feature of the relationship between Maldives and Sri Lanka. The special visa category would be a tangible manifestation of these principles, fostering greater connectivity and collaboration in a region known for its rich diversity and shared heritage.