Sri Lanka Current Info on ETAs?

[vetrade]

I'm hoping someone has recent info about ETA applications for multiple entries to Sri Lanka.
I did find a thread on the subject from 2016 but it's closed to comments and could well be out of date anyway.

We have an approved ETA for a CMB transit en route to Paris in early August, but I can't apply for a 30 day Tourist ETA for our stay in Sri Lanka in September because my passport number is flagged as already having an approved ETA.

Smartraveller info is this:
To enter Sri Lanka, you'll need a visa in the form of an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). You should do this before you travel, as there are limited facilities to obtain an ETA on arrival at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport.

I'm reluctant to just "wing it" by relying on getting an ETA on arrival because we have a tight connection to our pickup at CMB airport, so I'm hoping someone who travels there regularly can offer advice..

 

[MEL_Traveller]

quick google search suggests you cannot get two ETAs at the one time. If you have one for august you’ll have to use that, allow it to expire, then get the next one.

 

[vetrade]

Update:
Had a Sri Lanka ETA for transit on 2/8/25 and had no problems. That visa should have expired on 3/8/25.
Have now (12/8/25) tried to apply online for a 30day Tourist ETA for when we return to Sri Lanka in Sept. but have encountered the same issue of my passport number being flagged as already having a valid visa, meaning I am precluded from applying for another one online.
Looks like I will have to apply for it on arrival and risk delays.

All so un-necessary if Sri Lanka's system was up to standard.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Update:
Had a Sri Lanka ETA for transit on 2/8/25 and had no problems. That visa should have expired on 3/8/25.
Have now (12/8/25) tried to apply online for a 30day Tourist ETA for when we return to Sri Lanka in Sept. but have encountered the same issue of my passport number being flagged as already having a valid visa, meaning I am precluded from applying for another one online.
Looks like I will have to apply for it on arrival and risk delays.

All so un-necessary if Sri Lanka's system was up to standard.

Is it by any chance a multiple entry? Maybe try again on 2 or 3 september?