Sri Lanka’s cabinet recently approved a significant initiative to boost tourism by offering free visas to travelers from seven countries: India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand. This move is seen as a pilot project and will be in effect until March 31. The decision was shared with the public by Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Sabry, through a tweet.
Minister Ali Sabry expressed his belief that this initiative would stimulate an increase in tourist arrivals over the years. The goal is ambitious, aiming to attract five million tourists to Sri Lanka in the coming years. This step is not only expected to drive tourism growth but also to streamline the process of entering the country for eligible tourists.
One of the immediate benefits of this decision is the reduction in both time and cost associated with obtaining tourist visas. Travelers from the specified countries will be able to enter Sri Lanka without the usual visa fees and associated paperwork. This is likely to be a significant draw for tourists who might have been deterred by visa-related expenses and bureaucratic procedures in the past.
The proposal for free tourist visas was initially put forward by the Ministry of Tourism, signaling the government’s commitment to rejuvenating the country’s tourism industry. The cabinet paper that led to this decision was jointly presented by several key government figures, including Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Tourism and Lands Minister Harin Fernando, Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry.
Furthermore, the Cabinet has proposed the introduction of an e-ticketing system for most tourist sites across the country in the near future. This move aligns with global trends in technology integration and offers more convenience to both tourists and authorities. It’s expected that this digital ticketing system will enhance the visitor experience, providing easier access to Sri Lanka’s popular attractions.
