VISIT VISA is an entry permit signifying the consent of the Sri Lankan Government for the admission of a foreign national or an ex-Sri Lankan to the country. The Visa contains details of the period of time and the condition(s) of the stay. Usually Visit Visas cannot be considered for conversion into Residence Visas.
There are two sub-categories which come under visit visas:
Tourist Visa – is issued to bona-fide tourists who want to enter Sri Lanka for sightseeing, holidaying, excursions, relaxation, visit friends or relatives medical treatment, participate in sports events etc. for a short period of time.
Business Visit Visa – is issued to foreign nationals who visit Sri Lanka for business purposes for short periods of time. This visa may be issued for single, double or multiple journeys.
if you are transiting via Sri Lanka and the transit period is over 12 hours, you need to obtain a transit/visit visa.
All holiday and business travellers now need Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for entering Sri Lanka. However, on the basis of reciprocity, subjects of The Republic of Singapore, The Republic of Maldives, and The Republic of Seychelles are not required to obtain ETAs to visit Sri Lanka.