News
Sri Lanka’s passport third strongest in South Asia
Sri Lanka has secured the position of having the third strongest passport in South Asia, according to the latest Henley Passport Index for 2025. Ranked 96th globally, the Sri Lankan passport now allows visa-free travel to 44 countries, marking an improvement from its rankings of 100th in 2023 and 102nd in 2022.
The Maldives continues to dominate the South Asian region, retaining its top spot for the fifth consecutive year. The Maldivian passport ranks 53rd globally, granting its holders visa-free access to 94 countries. India follows as the second strongest in the region, positioned 85th worldwide, with its passport enabling visa-free travel to 57 destinations.
The Henley Passport Index, which ranks 199 passports worldwide, based on the number of destinations they can access without a visa, draws data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and trusted government sources. The rankings reflect global travel freedoms and highlight shifts in international relations and border policies.
Globally, Singapore claims the title of the world’s most powerful passport, offering visa-free access to 195 destinations out of 227. This marks a return to the top spot for Singapore, surpassing Japan, which had led the rankings for several years. Japan now occupies second place with visa-free access to 193 destinations, reclaiming access to neighbouring China after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.
In South Asia, Sri Lanka’s position is notably ahead of Bangladesh (100th), Nepal (101st), and Pakistan (103rd). Afghanistan remains at the bottom of the global index, ranked 106th, with its citizens gaining visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to only 26 destinations.
The Henley Passport Index continues to be a key indicator of global mobility, providing insights into the evolving landscape of international travel. For Sri Lanka, the 2025 ranking offers both encouragement and a challenge to further enhance its standing in the coming years.
News
Establishment of an Institutional Framework to Inagurate Upper Hydro Catchment Areas Management Authority
Policy approval of the Cabinet of Ministers was granted at their meeting held on 08.06.2026 to establish the Upper Hydro Catchment Areas Management Authority for identification and
execution of a formal and long – lasting remedy to secure the central hills including the upper hydro catchment areas enabling them to sustain amidst extreme weather conditions
due to natural calamities and human activities as well as to be used for the sustainable development of the country.
Accordingly, a concept paper has been prepared including
institutional structure, activities, powers, active subject area as well as administrative and coordination mechanism for the proposed authority by an expert technical committee appointed by the Secretary to the President.
Based on the said concept paper, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the resolution furnished by the President to instruct the Legal Draftsman to prepare a draft bill including legal provisions required for the establishment of Upper Hydro Catchment Areas Management Authority.
News
Introduction of Flora and Fauna (Regulation of actions of the Indigenous Community within the nominated areas) Regulations
With the objective of securing the traditional livelihood and the eco system of the indigenous community, it has been recognized the necessity of introducing a formal regulation methodology to secure their engagement in livelihood activities by being more sensitive to the existing laws.
Thereby, the Fauna and Flora (regularizing) regulations under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance (Authority 469) have been prepared so that nominated activities within the prescribed area to a member of the indigenous community
who has been registered for securing the rights acquired from law or custom or usage or traditional stance to execute an act within a certain state land that is fundamental to the survival of the indigenous community permission can be granted
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the resolution furnished by the Minister of Environment to publish the said regulations in the government gazette notification and thereby submit to the Parliament for its concurrence.
Latest News
M. M. D. J. Senarathne, appointed Director General of the Department of National Botanical Gardens
The Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution furnished by the Minister of Environment to appoint M. M. D. J. Senarathne, who is the senior most officer in Grade I of Sri Lanka Scientific Service se
Establishment of an Institutional Framework to Inagurate Upper Hydro Catchment Areas Management Authority
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M. M. D. J. Senarathne, appointed Director General of the Department of National Botanical Gardens
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