The United States Embassy in Colombo issued a firm warning to Sri Lankan citizens travelling to America on B1 and B2 visitor visas.

In a statement, the Embassy made it clear that while these visas allow for specific activities like business negotiations, attending professional conferences, or general tourism, they absolutely do not permit any form of employment.

The embassy emphasised that "working" is strictly prohibited, whether the position is paid or unpaid.

Should any traveller be caught engaging in unauthorised work while on a visitor visa, the consequences are severe and immediate.

The embassy stated that such individuals face immediate deportation from the United States.

Furthermore, they risk a permanent ban, which would prevent them from ever entering the country again for the rest of their lives.