I first visited Sri Lanka in 2020. That trip changed how I see the relationship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Not just as two cricket-loving nations or neighbours on a map, but as two countries with a deep, largely untapped business potential that most Pakistanis simply do not know about. This blog is everything I have learned across multiple visits, conversations with local businessmen and my own research into what the data actually says.
My first visit to Sri Lanka in 2020: this video was recorded on that trip and captures the initial impressions that started this whole journey.
Getting There from Pakistan
One of the most common misconceptions among Pakistanis is that getting to Sri Lanka requires a long multi-stop journey. The reality is much better than that. There is a direct flight between Pakistan and Colombo, and multiple convenient one-stop options through the Gulf.
Direct Option: SriLankan Airlines
SriLankan Airlines operates nonstop flights between Karachi (KHI) and Colombo (CMB) approximately 3 to 4 times per week. The flight time is around 3 hours and 40 minutes, making it one of the shortest international routes out of Karachi. The airline operates Airbus A330 aircraft on this route.
SriLankan Airlines: Karachi to Colombo
Nonstop · 3h 40m · Airbus A330 · 3 to 4 flights per week
I actually flew this route from Lahore to Colombo and recorded the experience. Watch my flight review here to see exactly what to expect on board.
Connecting Options
For travelers flying from Lahore or Islamabad, or those looking for competitive fares, excellent one-stop connections are available through the Gulf. These typically add 2 to 3 hours to the journey but are often cheaper and operate daily.
- Via Dubai: Emirates, FlyDubai and Air Arabia all connect Pakistani cities to Colombo through Dubai. Very frequent and affordable.
- Via Doha: Qatar Airways connects Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad to Colombo via Doha with a smooth transit experience.
- Via Abu Dhabi: Etihad Airways offers connections through Abu Dhabi from multiple Pakistani cities.
- Via Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia connect through KL for travelers looking for alternative routing.
For business trips, the direct SriLankan Airlines flight from Karachi is the most efficient option. Book in advance as frequency is limited. For leisure or longer stays, the Gulf connections offer more schedule flexibility and often lower fares.
Visa Policy for Pakistani Nationals
The visa process for Sri Lanka is straightforward, fully online and affordable. Pakistani passport holders require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arrival, applied through the official Sri Lanka government portal at eta.gov.lk.
- Application: 100% online at eta.gov.lk
- Processing time: 24 to 72 hours
- Tourist ETA fee: USD 35 per person
- Stay duration: 30 days on arrival, extendable up to 90 days in-country
- Entry type: Double entry available
- Validity: 6 months from date of issue
- Business ETA: Same fee, same duration, available for business visits
Sri Lanka's Board of Investment (BOI) offers a dedicated investor visa for those making substantial investments. A qualifying investment of USD 250,000 in an approved sector grants a 5-year renewable residence visa for the investor and immediate family, along with income tax holidays of 5 to 12 years depending on the sector.
Apply Online
Visit eta.gov.lk and complete the application with your passport details, travel dates and accommodation information.
Pay USD 35
Via credit or debit card. Most Pakistani international cards work. Use a travel or dollar card if your regular card declines.
Receive ETA by Email
Confirmation arrives within 24 to 72 hours. Keep it on your phone or print it for the immigration officer at Colombo airport.
Extend If Needed
Visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo to extend your stay up to 90 days with a modest fee.
The Pakistani Community in Sri Lanka
The exact size of the overall Pakistani community in Sri Lanka is difficult to pin down with official census figures, as no formal count of Pakistani business residents is publicly available. What we do know from various sources paints an interesting picture.
UNHCR data records approximately 567 Pakistani refugees and 224 Pakistani asylum seekers in Sri Lanka, a majority belonging to the Ahmadi Muslim community seeking protection. Beyond this, there is a separate and growing business and trade community of Pakistani nationals based in Colombo and other commercial centres, though no official population figure exists for this group. Anecdotally, the number is growing year on year as bilateral trade and business activity increases.
How Many Pakistanis Actually Visit Sri Lanka?
Official data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), sourced through the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Pakistan, gives us the clearest picture of Pakistani tourist arrivals over recent years. The numbers tell an interesting story about how the relationship between the two countries has been growing, and the gap between current figures and the potential.
| Year | Pakistani Arrivals | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 31,815 | Peak year |
| 2019 | 14,655 | ▼ 23% |
| 2020 | 3,065 | ▼ 79% (COVID) |
| 2022 | 6,260 | ▲ recovering |
| 2023 | 10,744 | ▲ 72% |
| 2024 | 13,451 | ▲ 25% |
| Source: Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) via Consulate General of Sri Lanka, Karachi | ||
The 2024 figure of 13,451 Pakistani visitors shows strong recovery, but it is still well below the 2017 peak of 31,815. That gap represents untapped demand and also tells you that the infrastructure catering to Pakistani tourists in Sri Lanka is still thin. Any business that genuinely services this community is entering a market that is actively growing and has plenty of headroom.
Sri Lankans Working in Pakistan
The people movement runs in both directions. A notable number of Sri Lankan professionals work in Pakistan, particularly in the textile and garment sector, where Sri Lankan technical expertise in fabric finishing, quality control and export compliance is well regarded by Pakistani manufacturers. Sri Lankan professionals are also found in hospitality management, IT services and education across major Pakistani cities. While no official bilateral labour agreement publishes specific numbers, the presence of Sri Lankan workers in Pakistan's industrial and service sectors is an established and growing reality, one that itself reflects the depth of the economic relationship between the two countries.
Where They Are Based
The majority of Pakistani businessmen in Sri Lanka are based in Colombo, particularly around the Pettah trading district and the commercial corridors of Colombo 3 and 7. A smaller number operate in Kandy (primarily in the gem trade) and Negombo (tourism-related businesses).
What They Do
- Textile and fabric trading: Importing Pakistani fabrics, garments and yarn for the local market
- Pharmaceutical distribution: Pakistani medicines at competitive prices
- Halal food and restaurants: Growing presence in Colombo's food sector
- Gem trade: Direct purchasing at Ratnapura auctions
- IT and remote services: Small but growing tech workforce
- Sub-offices for international business access: A significant number of Pakistani entrepreneurs register entities in Sri Lanka specifically to access international payment gateways and banking systems that are difficult to access through Pakistani-registered companies. Sri Lanka's financial infrastructure, connected to LankaPay and international SWIFT networks, provides a practical solution that many Pakistani businesses actively use.
Institutional and Cultural Ties
Sri Lanka-Pakistan Business Council (SLPBC)
One of the most important but least-known facts about the Pakistan-Sri Lanka relationship is the existence of the Sri Lanka-Pakistan Business Council (SLPBC), which operates under the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. The SLPBC held its 31st Annual General Meeting in September 2023, meaning it has been formally operating since approximately 1992. This is one of the oldest bilateral business councils in the region and a testament to how deep the business relationship between the two countries actually runs.
The SLPBC facilitates business linkages, trade missions and joint ventures between Pakistani and Sri Lankan companies. If you are visiting Colombo for business, connecting with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce should be one of your first steps.
Pakistan Lifestyle Expo, Colombo
Every year, Colombo hosts the Pakistan LiveStyle Expo, one of the most vibrant cultural and trade events in Sri Lanka. Organised by Pakistan LiveStyle (PLS) and officially backed by the High Commission of Pakistan in Sri Lanka, this event has been held at the BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall) in Colombo.
The first edition was held in 2019 and by 2025 the 7th edition had taken place, making it an annual fixture on Colombo's business calendar. The expo runs for 5 days and showcases Pakistani textiles, fashion, food, handicrafts and lifestyle products to Sri Lankan buyers, retailers and the general public.
- Organiser: Pakistan LiveStyle (PLS), a private exhibition company based in Karachi
- Venue: BMICH, Colombo: Sri Lanka's premier international conference centre
- First edition: 2019
- Editions held by 2025: 7
- Duration: 5 days
- Official backing: High Commission of Pakistan in Sri Lanka
- What it features: Textiles, fashion, food, handicrafts, lifestyle products from Pakistani exhibitors
- Why it matters: The expo is the single largest annual platform connecting Pakistani exporters directly with Sri Lankan buyers and consumers
For Pakistani exporters, the Lifestyle Expo is arguably the most cost-effective way to enter the Sri Lankan market. You get direct access to buyers, retailers and distributors in a single venue over five days, with official diplomatic backing that adds credibility to your presence.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka Trade Relations
Pakistan and Sri Lanka signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in 2005, one of the few such bilateral agreements Pakistan has with any country. This FTA gives Pakistani exporters a competitive advantage over traders from many other nations in certain product categories.
What Pakistan Exports to Sri Lanka
- Textiles, yarn, fabrics and finished garments
- Pharmaceutical products and medicines
- Surgical instruments and medical equipment
- Sports goods: footballs, cricket equipment
- Leather goods and footwear
- Rice, wheat flour and processed food items
- Engineering goods and auto parts
What Sri Lanka Exports to Pakistan
- Ceylon tea: one of the world's finest
- Precious and semi-precious gemstones
- Rubber and rubber-based products
- Coconut products: oil, desiccated coconut, coconut water
- Spices: cinnamon, pepper, cardamom
- Apparel and garments manufactured for Western brands
Current bilateral trade stands at approximately USD 400 to 500 million annually. Trade experts consistently note this figure is well below the potential of the relationship, with USD 1 billion cited as an achievable target with stronger direct business linkages. The gap between where things are and where they should be is exactly where opportunity lives.
Cricket, Sports and the Business They Bring
Sri Lanka is one of the most active cricket-hosting nations in the world. The country regularly hosts major ICC tournaments, bilateral series and Asia Cup events. What most Pakistani entrepreneurs overlook is the enormous amount of business activity that arrives with every cricket series, and Pakistan is one of the most frequent touring sides.
Media Teams and Production Crews
Every time Pakistan tours Sri Lanka or a major tournament is held there, dozens of Pakistani journalists, camera operators, production crews and digital content teams travel with the squad. These teams need accommodation, local transport, equipment rentals, fixers, translators and food. The same applies when India tours Sri Lanka: Indian media delegations are enormous and their spending in the local economy is significant. This creates a repeating, predictable business cycle around every cricket series that a well-positioned Pakistani entrepreneur in Colombo can tap into directly: from logistics and transport to catering and accommodation.
Fan Travel and Hospitality
Pakistani cricket fans travel in large numbers when the team plays abroad in accessible destinations. Sri Lanka, with its direct flight from Karachi and affordable living costs, attracts Pakistani supporters in meaningful numbers for every bilateral series. A travel and hospitality operation catering specifically to Pakistani cricket fans visiting Sri Lanka is a repeating revenue opportunity tied directly to the international cricket calendar. No one is currently doing this in any organised way.
South Asian Games: A Parallel Opportunity
Sri Lanka hosted the South Asian Games in 1991 and 2006. Pakistan hosted in 1989 and 2004 and is set to host again in 2026. These multi-sport events bring delegations, media, fans and sponsors from across South Asia into one city for weeks at a time. The business ecosystem around the South Asian Games: hotels, catering, signage, merchandise, transport, broadcasting: follows the same pattern as cricket but across a broader range of sports. Pakistani businesses already operating in Colombo are naturally positioned to supply and service these events when Sri Lanka hosts.
The cricket and sports connection is not about the game itself. It is about the predictable, recurring flow of people, media and money that follows every major series. A Pakistani entrepreneur established in Colombo before the next big tournament is in a position to service Pakistani media teams, fan groups, delegations and sponsors in a market where they have a natural language and cultural advantage over every other competitor.
Opportunities I Saw on the Ground
Pakistani and Halal Restaurants
Sri Lanka has a Muslim population of approximately 2.2 million people, around 9 percent of the country. Certified Halal food is in genuine demand. Pakistani cuisine is almost entirely unknown here: biryani, karahi, halwa puri. A well-run Pakistani restaurant in Colombo would have near-zero direct competition and a ready customer base among locals, Pakistani visitors and Muslim tourists from Malaysia, the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Textile and Fabric Supply
Sri Lanka's garment industry manufactures for H&M, Nike, Victoria's Secret and hundreds of Western brands. These factories need quality raw fabrics and yarn constantly. Pakistani mills produce some of the finest cotton and synthetic blends in the world. A direct supply relationship between Pakistani textile mills and Sri Lankan garment factories eliminates multiple middlemen and creates strong margins for whoever sets it up.
Pharmaceutical Distribution
Pakistani pharmaceutical companies produce quality generic medicines at prices 30 to 50 percent lower than equivalent Indian or Western products. Sri Lanka imports significant quantities of medicines and the post-crisis period has made buyers especially price-sensitive. Import agent or distributor arrangements for Pakistani pharma brands offer low startup cost with strong, consistent demand. The BOI has dedicated incentives for healthcare-related businesses.
Pakistan-Focused Travel Agency
Sri Lanka receives over 1.5 million tourists annually with recovery accelerating. Pakistani tourists visiting Sri Lanka currently have no dedicated service catering to their needs: Urdu-speaking guides, Halal meal planning, Pakistani-friendly hotel recommendations, prayer time schedules. A travel operator in Colombo focused exclusively on Pakistani visitors is filling a gap nobody else has addressed yet.
Gemstone Buying and Export
Sri Lanka is called the Gem Island for a reason. Blue sapphires, rubies, cat's eye and alexandrite are mined and sold at auctions in Ratnapura, the gem capital. Pakistani buyers can purchase stones at competitive auction prices and sell to jewellers in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad at significant profit. The key is building knowledge of the market and trusted relationships with licensed dealers.
Real Estate Investment
The 2022 economic crisis caused Sri Lankan real estate prices to fall sharply in Colombo and tourist areas like Galle and Negombo. As the economy recovers, values are rising again but remain below their pre-crisis peak. For Pakistani investors with USD capital, well-located commercial or short-term rental property in Colombo offers strong returns at manageable entry costs compared to UAE or European markets.
IT Services and Outsourcing
Colombo has a growing tech ecosystem with skilled, English-speaking and cost-competitive developers. Pakistani IT firms seeking a regional expansion base will find Sri Lanka significantly easier to operate from than Dubai or Malaysia in terms of setup costs and day-to-day expenses. The city's infrastructure, reliable internet and young tech talent make it a viable regional office location.
Ceylon Tea Import to Pakistan
Pakistan is one of the world's largest tea-consuming nations. We import enormous quantities annually and much of what Pakistanis drink already includes Ceylon varieties. Direct import agreements with Sri Lankan tea estates and Colombo auction houses cut out Indian and Gulf middlemen entirely. The demand in Pakistan is proven, consistent and growing, and the margins on direct sourcing are genuinely attractive.
Practical Tips Before You Go
Currency and Banking
The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) is the local currency. Pakistani Rupees are not accepted or exchangeable locally, so bring USD, Euros or GBP. Major ATMs in Colombo hotels accept international cards. Cash is strongly preferred in Pettah market and smaller businesses. For significant business transactions, arrange USD transfers in advance.
Religion and Culture
Sri Lanka has a well-established Muslim community of approximately 2.2 million people. Mosques are present in all major cities. Halal-certified food is widely available at Muslim-owned restaurants throughout Colombo. The cultural transition for Pakistanis is generally smooth: Sri Lankans are exceptionally hospitable, English is widely spoken in business settings and the cricket connection creates an immediate warmth in most conversations.
Spend at least 7 to 10 days. The first 3 days in Colombo for commercial districts, the Pakistan High Commission and the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. Then Kandy for gems, Negombo for tourism business observation and Galle for real estate context. Go with an open mind. Sri Lanka will show you opportunities you did not even know you were looking for.
Final Thoughts
The Pakistan-Sri Lanka relationship is older, deeper and more structured than most Pakistanis realise. A Free Trade Agreement since 2005. A Business Council operating since 1992. An annual Lifestyle Expo in Colombo since 2019. A direct SriLankan Airlines flight from Karachi. A cricket history stretching back 50 years with one of the most emotionally significant chapters in the sport. South Asian Games hosted in each other's cities. All of this is real and all of it is already in place.
What is missing is more Pakistanis actually showing up, building relationships and taking the opportunities seriously. The early movers in any market always have the advantage. In Sri Lanka, for Pakistani entrepreneurs, that window is open right now.
If you have specific questions about business in Sri Lanka, travel planning or trade contacts, reach out at Info@salmantraveldiaries.com. I will share whatever I know from firsthand experience.