The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) announced that the process to expand free visa facilities to over 60 countries is expected to be finalized by the end of this month. SLTDA Chairperson Priantha Fernando stated that the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have submitted a joint Cabinet paper for approval. An inter-ministerial committee, appointed by the President, will submit its proposals by mid-month.
The initiative aims to boost tourist arrivals and tourism income. Minister of Tourism Harin Fernando highlighted the need for free visas to compete with regional competitors like the Maldives, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Singapore. The special committee’s report on the proposal will be presented to the Cabinet within the next two weeks, alongside other government initiatives to attract more tourists.