Visa-free entry to tourist-friendly nations

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is spearheading a task force that is considering granting visa- free entry to certain countries that patronise the destination as tourists.

“There is some thinking to make it ( Sri Lanka) visa- free entry to certain countries,” Tourism Development Minister John Amaratunga told the Business Times.

Some of the countries under consideration are India, China, Europe and West Asia, the minister said. The task force also comprises some of the officials involved in the digital advertising campaign committee.

He noted that this is aimed at encouraging more people to visit Sri Lanka as immigration is “creating chaos” for visitors to the country. Plans are underway to consider providing visa- free travel to certain countries during the lean period of October- November and March- April, the minister said.

He pointed out that the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau ( SLTPB) is currently working on this plan.

In addition, in another effort to boost travel to the destination, the minister said the government has been in discussion with airlines, tour operators and hotels to provide low cost packages during the lean period.

These efforts are underway in a bid to ensure Sri Lanka becomes a destination that would be a visited location throughout the year.