Tourism Minister Harin Fernando yesterday confirmed that the visa-free arrivals push for seven countries will come into effect from 7 November. 

“The approved proposal from the Cabinet with adjustments to the Immigrants and Emigrants Act No. 20 of 1948 will be tabled at the next first sitting on 6 November. Upon approval it will become effective from 7 November,” the Minister told the Daily FT. 

This visa-free policy is set to be in effect till 31 March 2024 for India, Russia, China, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand. 

As Sri Lanka is still in the process of revitalising its tourism sector, stakeholders expressed hope that a more coordinated and strategic approach will yield positive results, ultimately contributing to the country’s economic recovery. 

In the first 25 days of October, Sri Lanka welcomed 87,926 tourists, propelling the cumulative arrivals over the 1.1 million mark. This remarkable milestone marks the highest number of visitors to the country since 2019, when Sri Lanka welcomed 1.9 million arrivals.