Sri Lanka Cancels Russian Tourist Visa Extensions After Whites Only Party Sparks Backlash
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Sri Lankan authorities said they will cancel long-term tourist visa extensions for Russians, coinciding with outrage over a "whites only" party organized by a Russian-run nightclub.
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Thousands of Russians flocked to Sri Lanka amid the Ukraine war for near-indefinite stays when visas were offered. Russia became Sri Lanka's top source of tourists.
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A "White Party" poster sparked outrage for specifying "Face Control White," interpreted as barring non-whites. The bar canceled the event and apologized.
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Sri Lanka is struggling economically, with over $83 billion in debt. It has increased taxes and prices, tapping tourism by providing 30-day visas with multiple 6-month extensions.
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The Russian Embassy condemned "all forms of racial discrimination" and said the party's main promoter and bar owners were reportedly Russian citizens.