On 22 August 2024, Sri Lanka shared the lessons learned on the establishment of National Inventory of Dangerous Pathogens (NIDP) at a side event during the 4th session of the Working Group on Strengthening the Biological Weapons Convention(BWC) held in Geneva. Dr. Priyantha Athapattu, Director, Tertiary Care Services/Deputy Director General (Laboratory Services) of Ministry of Health joining the panel discussion online elaborated Sri Lanka's experience, challenges and best practices in implementing NIDP. The event was co-hosted by the Netherlands, Cambodia, Mongolia, Uganda and Sri Lanka.
Mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
The Department of Immigration and Emigration of Sri Lanka has informed that it is mandatory for the foreign nationals travelling to Sri Lanka to obtain a valid Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before commencing their journey to Sri Lanka unless they already possess any of the following:
·A valid Sri Lankan Visa;
·A valid Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA);
· A valid Sri Lankan Dual Citizenship Certificate;
·5(1) / 5(2) Registration under Citizenship Act of Sri Lanka for passengers below 22 years of age;
·A valid Entry Visa;
·A Valid Landing Endorsement issued by the Department of Immigration and Emigration;
· Any other travel authorization or exemption recognized under the Immigrants and Emigrants Act, No. 20 of 1948, as amended, including persons travelling to Sri Lanka for official purposes who are exempt from the ETA requirement.
Direct travellers are advised to visit the official ETA system (www.eta.gov.lk) to obtain an ETA before travelling to Sri Lanka
ජිනීවාහි ශ්රී ලංකා නිත්ය දූත මණ්ඩලය
இலங்கையின் நிரந்தரத் தூதரகம், ஜெனீவா
Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Geneva
