Kochi: The Sri Lankan government has announced that visitors from India, China, Russia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia will continue to receive free tourist visas. Earlier concerns among Indian tourists arose when news surfaced that Sri Lanka would terminate its free visa scheme.

The intervention of Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe comes amidst controversy surrounding increased fees for on-arrival visas. However, tourists from non-visa-free countries will face a USD 50 fee for a 30-day visa.

This decision aims to bolster the Sri Lankan tourism sector, significantly affected by internal crises. The government initially experimented with visa-free entry for citizens of select countries, including India, in 2023. This offer remained open until 31 March 2024.

Reports indicate that around 14.8 lakh foreign tourists arrived in 2023, with a significant portion hailing from India. Sri Lanka's proximity to India and its connectivity with South India have been pivotal factors attracting Indian tourists.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan government has turned its attention to enhancing airport infrastructure due to the surge in travellers to Sri Lanka. Plans are underway to hand over the Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, the Ratmalana Airport in Colombo, and the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport in Hambantota to the Adani Group.