Sri Lanka’s passport office has recently seen extended queues and delays due to a shortage of passport booklets. In response, the government has temporarily shifted to a "first-come, first-served" system and paused online appointments to prioritize in-person applicants.
Passport Shortage and Government Response
To address this shortage, the government has imported 50,000 new passport booklets. An additional 100,000 are expected next month to meet ongoing demand. With these new supplies, authorities aim to process 3,000–3,500 passports per day, which should significantly reduce waiting times and alleviate the queues seen recently.
New Regional Passport Services
In an effort to improve accessibility, the passport office has decentralized its operations, allowing people to apply at both district and provincial offices. Options include a same-day service for urgent cases and a regular service for routine applications, with an estimated turnaround time of a few days.
Rising Demand and Public Feedback
The rise in demand has also been linked to the reopening of international travel opportunities. Many citizens are applying for passports to pursue new work opportunities abroad or explore educational options. However, public feedback has been mixed, with some expressing frustration over long wait times and delays.
With these measures, Sri Lanka’s passport office hopes to streamline services and meet the public’s increasing needs more effectively.
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