3 lakh Russians and 20 thousand Ukrainians entered India’s neighboring country, created ruckus

Lakhs of people from Russia and Ukraine have entered India’s neighboring country. Amidst the war between Ukraine and Russia, there is sure to be chaos wherever people from these two countries are present in large numbers. Now India’s neighboring country is afraid of this chaos. This country is Sri Lanka where millions of people from Russia and Ukraine have come. The situation has become such that Sri Lanka has asked these people to leave the country soon. Sri Lanka has asked thousands of Russians and Ukrainians living in the island nation on extended visas that have expired due to the Ukraine war to leave within two weeks. The decision comes amid a backlash on social media over Russian-run businesses operating illegally and operating with a whites-only policy and not allowing locals. Immigration authorities have issued a notice to Sri Lanka’s Tourism Ministry that Russian and Ukrainian tourists should leave the island nation within two weeks starting February 23 as their visas have expired.

Stay in Sri Lanka even after visa expires

3 lakh Russians and 20 thousand Ukrainians reached Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan Tourism Ministry said they have received complaints about Russians and Ukrainians staying in Sri Lanka for long periods of time and setting up their own restaurants and nightclubs, employing foreigners and using payment methods for services bypassing local systems . Sri Lanka’s Tourism Minister Harin Fernando told the Daily Mirror that the ministry had received complaints of some Russians running illegal businesses in the southern part of the country. He said the raids were carried out after consultation with the immigration department, The Independent reports.

Sri Lanka is haunted by fear

However, President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s office issued a notice ordering an investigation into the decision to ask the Ukrainians and Russians to leave without cabinet approval. According to the Presidential Media Division, the Sri Lankan government has not officially taken any decision to cancel the visa extensions granted to Ukrainian and Russian tourists.