Sri Lanka will introduce a comprehensive security system similar to that of Singapore when implementing the free visa on arrival facility to 46 countries from August 1, Minister of Tourism Development, Wildlife and Christian Religious Affairs, John Amaratunga said.
The Minister was speaking at a press conference hosted by Walkers Tours and Spring Travels of China to mark arrivals of 110 Chinese tourist and media delegation at Cinnamon Grand, Colombo. The Minister said when a prior application is made by tourists to obtain Sri Lankan free Visa, it would be scrutinized and if the applicant seems not ‘trust worthy that application would be rejected.
The Minister said that initially China was not included for the free visa on arrival facility but now they too have been included along with Russia and India. Amaratunga said that the concessions offered to the airlines by the government would start soon and this will attract new airlines and also additional frequencies by existing airlines to Sri Lanka.
The Minister said that this facility was to be introduced in April but was stalled due to the Easter blasts.
Amaratunga said that the entire terrorist and their supporters involved in the Easter Sunday blasts have been now rounded up and the final mopping up operations are on the way. “This is why the emergency is still implemented and this too would be removed soon.
“I believe that Russia will tone down their advisory as and when the emergency is removed soon.
Director, Marketing at Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Madubhani Perera said that more Chinese FMA tours and promotions were on the card.
She also said that the much awaited international marketing campaign would start next month and Social media given more focus.
“However despite all these aggressive promotions there would be a 50% drop in Chinese arrivals (265,00 in 2018) due to the set back as a result of the Easter blasts.
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