Sri Lanka has removed Pakistan from all negative visa lists following a meeting between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. The decision eases travel restrictions for Pakistani citizens and signals improved bilateral ties. The move also paves the way for stronger cooperation between the two countries.
During the meeting, Naqvi raised concerns about visa difficulties faced by Pakistani nationals. In response, President Dissanayake ordered authorities to immediately remove Pakistan from all restrictive visa categories. Officials described the step as a major relief for Pakistani travellers and the business community. The announcement was made shortly after high-level talks concluded.
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Furthermore, the Sri Lankan president announced that his country’s prime minister would soon visit Pakistan. Both sides discussed expanding cooperation in counterterrorism and anti-narcotics efforts. They also explored joint training programmes for security forces. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening longstanding diplomatic relations.
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
President Dissanayake appreciated Pakistan’s support during Sri Lanka’s challenging economic period. He thanked Islamabad for agreeing to play a T20 World Cup match against India in Colombo. He described the match as a gesture of goodwill and regional sportsmanship. The comments were shared in a post on his official X account.
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Meanwhile, Naqvi conveyed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s invitation to the Sri Lankan president to visit Pakistan. He praised Dissanayake’s role in promoting bilateral cooperation. The Pakistani delegation also thanked Sri Lankan authorities for hospitality during the T20 World Cup. Officials said the latest development reflects growing trust and collaboration between Islamabad and Colombo.