The Sri Lankan government has decided to extend visa-free entry to an additional 40 countries, aiming to boost the country’s tourism industry, according to Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, Vijitha Herath.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the “Hotel Show Colombo 2025” exhibition held today (25) at the BMICH in Colombo, the Minister said the move follows the earlier visa fee waiver for tourists from seven countries, including the United Kingdom.
Minister Herath acknowledged that the decision would result in an estimated annual loss of USD 66 million in direct government revenue. However, he said the expected increase in tourist arrivals and related income would more than offset the shortfall. (Newswire)