In a groundbreaking development, Sri Lanka has given the green light to a visa-free entry initiative for travellers hailing from India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand. This remarkable pilot project, set to be in effect until March 31, comes as a boon to the ailing tourism industry. As per reports from the Sri Lankan media, the decision has been made with the aim of rejuvenating the country's tourism sector, with the Ministry expressing high hopes of seeing tourist arrivals surge to five million in the coming years.
Sri Lanka, an island nation, has long relied on its tourism industry as a vital contributor to the national GDP. Regrettably, a series of unfortunate events, including the COVID-19 pandemic and mismanagement of agricultural reforms, has cast a dark shadow over this key sector, pushing the nation into a crisis.
The Ministry of Tourism revealed that during the previous Cabinet meeting, a Cabinet Paper was tabled, proposing the issuance of complimentary tourist visas to foreigners from five countries planning to visit Sri Lanka as tourists. This move represents a significant step toward reviving Sri Lanka's tourism, and the nation is eagerly anticipating the positive impact it will have.
