Sri Lanka Launches Free Visa Pilot Project for Select Nations

October 25, 2023

The Sri Lankan Cabinet has approved a groundbreaking initiative to issue free visas to visitors from India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand. The move is part of a pilot project set to run until March 31, 2024, with immediate effect. This significant step aims to revive the nation’s tourism industry and foster stronger international relationships.

Boosting Tourism

Sri Lanka, known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage, has seen a decline in tourist arrivals since the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings. The devastating attacks claimed the lives of 270 people, including 11 Indians, and injured over 500 individuals. India has traditionally been Sri Lanka’s top source of inbound tourism, and this initiative is expected to rekindle interest among Indian travelers.

Key Statistics

According to reports, India led the way in September with more than 30,000 arrivals, comprising 26 percent of the total. Chinese tourists followed as the second-largest group with over 8,000 arrivals. This promising data underscores the potential of the visa-free pilot project to boost tourism in Sri Lanka.

Economic Challenges and Political Turmoil

Sri Lanka, a country grappling with long-standing economic challenges since gaining independence from Britain in 1948, is currently facing political turmoil. Protests calling for President Rajapaksa’s resignation have become a common sight. The economic crisis has led to critical shortages of essential commodities, including food, medicine, cooking gas, and fuels, causing significant hardships for the population.

Government’s Response

In response to the economic crisis and the need to stimulate tourism, the Ministry of Tourism introduced a Cabinet Paper during a recent Cabinet meeting. This paper proposed offering complimentary tourist visas to foreign travelers from select countries planning to visit Sri Lanka for tourism. The move has been welcomed as a strategic step to attract tourists and boost the nation’s economy.

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