Sri Lanka approves free Visa scheme for India, China, and Russia, excludes the United States

The Sri Lankan cabinet has approved a plan to grant free visas to travelers from seven countries, aiming to boost tourism in the country. The countries included in this initiative are India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand. This decision was announced by Sri Lanka's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Sabry. The visa-free travel initiative began immediately and is scheduled to run as a pilot project until March 31.

The main objective of this move is to attract more tourists to Sri Lanka, as stated by the country's tourism ministry. They have set a target to increase tourist arrivals to five million over the coming years. Additionally, it is expected that the initiative will save travelers time and money by eliminating the need to obtain visas.

The presentation of the proposal

This proposal was presented to the Cabinet by various government officials, including Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Tourism and Lands Minister Harin Fernando, Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry. The Cabinet is also considering implementing an e-ticketing system for most tourist sites in the country in the near future.

ALSO READ: India's commitment to disaster relief in Maldives remains strong post Muizzu's leadership

Sri Lanka is known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, making it an attractive destination for tourists. By offering visa-free travel to visitors from these seven countries, Sri Lanka aims to further promote tourism and enhance its position as a tourist-friendly destination. The pilot project will allow the government to assess the impact of this initiative and potentially extend it in the future.

ALSO READ: Nawaz Sharif's Lahore comeback rally: 'I have never betrayed you,' he declares