Sri Lanka, Feb. 17 -- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has reportedly directed authorities to immediately remove Pakistan from all "negative" visa lists following a meeting with Pakistan's Federal Interior Minister and Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

The move is seen as an important step toward facilitating travel for Pakistani nationals and improving bilateral relations between the two countries. During the meeting, Naqvi highlighted the problems faced by Pakistanis in obtaining Sri Lankan visas.

In response, President Dissanayake instructed officials to eliminate Pakistan from restrictive visa categories, a decision expected to benefit tourists, businesspeople and other travellers.

The directive was issued during talk...