The move follows cabinet approval to expand the visa exemption programme, which initially covered seven countries since March 2023, India, China, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan. The extended list now includes the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Pakistan, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Australia, among others.
Despite an anticipated annual revenue loss of approximately $66 million due to the waiver of visa fees, Herath emphasised that the expected rise in tourist arrivals would provide broader economic benefits that outweigh the direct loss. “We have stabilised the economy, and through policy changes in tourism, we aim to ensure steady growth in arrivals,” he said.
Sri Lanka previously introduced visa-free entry for select countries as part of a pilot project in October 2023. That initiative, initially designed for six months, was extended and expanded in phases. Under the updated scheme, eligible travellers can receive a 30-day visa upon arrival, with no fees, although an electronic travel authorisation is still required.
Also read | Indians top list of foreign arrivals in visa-free Sri Lanka in 2025 so far
The policy is part of Sri Lanka’s broader efforts to re-establish itself as a key travel destination in South Asia.
Meanwhile, a replica of the ancient Ashokan Pillar was erected on the premises of a Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka in recognition of the “great service” of Emperor Ashoka to the island nation.
Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha in his address said this initiative has “further strengthened” the cultural and spiritual ties between India and Sri Lanka.
Also read | WATCH: PM Modi captures glimpse of Ram Setu while returning from Sri Lanka, calls it a blessing
The replica, symbolising the one of the iconic stone-made pillars which were erected across the Indian subcontinent by Emperor Ashoka to perpetuate the ancient wisdom of Buddhism, was unveiled on the sacred premises of Waskaduwa Sri Subhuthi Viharaya, the Indian culture ministry said.
The Buddhist temple is situated in the city of Waskaduwa in Kalutara district, a southern province of Sri Lanka about 42 km south of Colombo, the ministry said.
The event took place with the participation of chief incumbent of the Waskaduwa Sri Subhuthi Viharaya, Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Mahanayaka Thero, Jha as the chief guest, and Deputy Secretary General of International Buddhist Confederation Damenda Porage, among other dignitaries.
Mahanayaka Thero said the replica of the pillar has been made in “recognition of the great service of Emperor Ashoka to Sri Lanka”.
The complete sponsorship for this replica pillar was provided by Kyabje Ling Rinpoche, one of the Tibetan Buddhism’s foremost spiritual leaders, denotes the lineage of Tibetan Buddhist masters, particularly the 6th and 7th incarnations, the ministry said in its statement.
