He highlighted that the challenge stems from the termination of the previous Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, which was replaced by the new e-visa system which was introduced through a gazette passed by Parliament.

However, he expressed hope that a resolution could be reached by the end of the week. “We are hopeful that we will receive a favourable response from the AG by Friday (23),” Ilukpitiya added.

The Supreme Court, on 2 August, ordered a return to the previous ETA visa processing arrangement and the suspension of service and convenience fees imposed under the new e-visa system.

The Court’s decision followed multiple challenges from stakeholders who argued that the new visa process violated the law, was non-transparent, and lacked competitive bidding.