• Cab. approved latest list needs AG’s clearance and P’ment approval 

In the wake of reports that more countries have sought visa-free facility for their nationals visiting Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Public Security stated that there is no preparation as of now to consider any other country beyond the list of 40 nations recently approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.

The Department of Immigration and Emigration is coming under the purview of the Public Security Ministry.

When contacted by The Daily Morning, subject Minister Ananda Wijepala said: “We submitted a Cabinet paper to provide a free visa facility for 40 countries. That list has to be cleared by the Attorney General (AG), after which it will be approved in the Parliament. As of now, there is no plan to extend that facility to more countries.”

Sri Lanka had previously offered the free visa facility to seven countries. The recent policy decision adds 40 more, with the proposal now pending AG’s clearance. Once approved, it will be endorsed by the Parliament and is expected to take effect by the end of this month, allowing nationals of these countries to apply online for a free tourist visa.

Cabinet Spokesperson Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said recently that the list of 40 countries had been prepared by the relevant authorities after evaluating the countries based on the number of tourists arriving in Sri Lanka and the income generated through tourism. He added that no country was given special treatment when compiling it.

At present, Sri Lanka is placing emphasis on boosting its tourism industry as a key driver of foreign exchange earnings. The authorities are working to attract more visitors by easing entry requirements, improving infrastructure, and promoting the country as a safe and diverse destination in global markets.