Colombo: Sri Lankan Cabinet has approved issuing of free visas to India with immediate effect as a pilot project till 31 March, the Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Sabry posted on platform X (formerly Twitter). Along with India, the issuance of free visas has been extended to China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand.
That means Indians no longer need a visa to visit Sri Lanka. The pilot project, which began immediately, will be in effect until March 31, 2024.
As Sri Lanka’s tourism industry moves towards revival, Indian tourist arrivals have reached a crucial milestone. In the first nine months this year, over 2 lakh Indian Tourists have reached Sri Lanka. This accounts for around 20% of all tourists reaching the island nation.
Also Read : GST, Stock Exchange Transaction Fee: Five Big Financial Changes to Come Into Effect From Nov 1
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is setting its sights on a higher target for 2023, with the aim of attracting 2 million visitors, up from the previous goal of 1.5 million. Tourism is the mainstay in Sri Lanka’s foreign exchange earnings. The industry suffered a hug slump and heavy losses due to the prolonged effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic and political crises within its borders. The recent Cabinet move to extend free visas to citizens of 7 nations is a part of the south-Asian nation’s determination to help its tourism industry recover and thrive even better than it did before.
