Thousands of Russian and Ukrainian tourists who moved to Sri Lanka amid the war in Ukraine could be forced to leave after a “whites only” party was allegedly advertised at a Russian-run nightclub.
A poster for a “White Party” last weekend at the Sarayka Lounge, in the popular resort town of Unawatuna, specified a white dress code, as is normal for such events.
However, the poster, which was shared online widely, also included a line saying “Face Control: White,” prompting outrage from people who interpreted it as meaning none-white people would not be allowed in.
Shortly after the anger erupted in the southern coastal town, authorities in the South Asian country said they were cancelling long-term tourist visa extensions.
But President Ranil Wickremesinghe raised doubts over whether the government would go through with the cancellations as they would threaten much-needed tourist income, according to Sky News’ US partner network NBC news.
The country of 22 million people has been struggling with an economic crisis since declaring bankruptcy two years ago with more than £65bn in debt.
Sri Lanka’s Tourism Development Authority said Russian and Ukrainian tourists must leave the country by 7 March, after the expiration of their final free visa extension.
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The Immigration Department had said last month that the visas were being extended due to the “non-operation of airlines in the region” but the commissioner-general of immigration has since said the flight situation had “normalised”.
However, the president ordered an investigation into the notice, saying the visas could not be cancelled without cabinet approval.
“The government hasn’t officially decided to revoke visa extensions previously granted to these tourists,” his office said in a post on X.
After many countries placed restrictions on Russian nationals following the invasion of Ukraine two years ago, many flocked to Sri Lanka when it effectively offered near-indefinite stays.
Nearly 200,000 Russians and 5,000 Ukrainians visited the country last year, according to Sri Lanka’s tourism department.
It’s unclear how many of those remained in the country beyond the usual 30-day duration of a tourist visa.
But thousands are believed to have remained – including many attempting to avoid being drafted into the military.
It is also unclear whether the end of the visa extensions was related to the recent outcry over the alleged “whites only” event.
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In a post on Instagram last Friday, the bar said it had cancelled the event, where three Russian DJs were due to perform, and “will never support various racist statements or organisations.”
A user who claimed to be one of the party’s organisers apologised, saying “There was no malice or racism in this.”
“We wanted to meet expats who have been living here for a long time and love Sri Lanka,” the user said, adding that he and his family had to leave the island due to abuse and threats.
In a statement, the Russian Embassy in Colombo said, “according to unconfirmed data, the main promoter as well as the owners of a bar who agreed to accommodate the party are Russian citizens”.
Russia “strongly condemns all forms of racial discrimination,” it added, saying it expected citizens to follow local laws and customs.
