The Philippines has agreed to provide visas on arrival for Sri Lankans following a request by Prime Minister D M Jayaratne who ended a brief visit to the Philippines yesterday, the Premier’s office said.
The two countries also agreed to resume direct commercial flights between Manila and Colombo.
Sri Lanka and Philippines are also set to exchange defence related experiences and enhance bi-lateral economic ties following talks between Premier Jayaratne and President Benigno Aquino III. The Prime Minister’s office said that a MoU would be signed between the two countries within a month. Premier Jayaratne during the tour had also conveyed a formal invitation by President Mahinda Rajapaksa requesting President Benigno Aquino III to visit Sri Lanka. The Philippine President told Premier Jayaratne that his visit could be the beginning of a long journey of new and friendly ties between the two nations.
He had added that the existing friendly ties between the two countries had further enhanced with the Premier’s visit.
The Philippine President also said that Sri Lanka was heading towards rapid development since defeating terrorism and enhanced bi-lateral ties would help further improve the economic prospects of both countries.
He added that he was happy to receive the invitation extended to visit Sri Lanka.
Prime Minister Jayaratne had said that more robust bilateral ties would help both countries in the long run. He said that diplomatic relations were established between Sri Lanka and the Philippines as far back as 1951.
He had also extended an invitation to Philippine investors to visit Sri Lanka to explore investment opportunities.
Source:http://www.dailynews.lk/2011/05/18/news28.asp
Is this already in effect?? or do they still need sri lankans to have a visa prior to arrival??
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