Remittance of funds to Sri Lankans abroad to pursue studies and on short term visits, to meet their expenses

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) is aware that some Sri Lankans who have gone abroad, for short visits for leisure and holidays, meet relatives and friends, pilgrimage, business purposes, training, seminars and conferences, medical treatments, sports, recreational and cultural activities, etc., and on student or equivalent visas, are stranded abroad amidst the prevailing global pandemic situation and that their families in Sri Lanka are keen to send money to meet living expenses/up keep of such persons in overseas. In this regard, CBSL wishes to make the following clarifications.
Family members residing in Sri Lanka are permitted to send money from Sri Lanka to persons who have gone abroad for studies or for medical purposes, being university/tuition/training/ course fees, living expenses, medical charges or as any related fees, etc., through an Authorized Dealer (AD) in foreign exchange (any Licensed Commercial Bank or a permitted Licensed Specialized Bank) upon submitting relevant documentary evidence as usually required by ADs.

Such persons can also use their credit, debit (ATM) and foreign travel cards issued to them by ADs for payments or cash withdrawals/obtain cash advances in foreign currency during their stay abroad in respect of transactions of personal nature.

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