High Commission of India Denies Involvement in Controversial BIA Visa Issuance Takeover

In response to recent media inquiries regarding the purported involvement of Indian companies in the takeover of visa issuance services at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Colombo, Sri Lanka, the High Commission of India in Colombo has issued a statement refuting any such involvement.

Amidst reports circulating in both traditional and social media platforms, the High Commission clarified that the companies allegedly linked to the takeover are neither India-based nor Indian in origin. These companies, according to the statement, are headquartered elsewhere, and any association with India in this matter is deemed unwarranted.

The controversy surrounding the visa issuance process escalated following a video circulating on social media, which depicted extensive queues and chaos at BIA. In the video, a frustrated Sri Lankan individual appeared to attribute the chaos to the visa issuing officers. The situation reportedly deteriorated further, resulting in chaos at the airport following the contentious takeover of the on-arrival visa issuance process by a company.

While certain media outlets implicated an Indian company in the takeover, the High Commission’s statement aims to dispel any misconceptions regarding Indian involvement in the matter.