• Immigration Controller General says visa-free pilot project for seven countries will not take immediate effect, but likely for implementation in second week of November
• Industry championships express disappointment in tackling matters by Ministry and statutory bodies
• Stresses importance of informed strategy implementation, realistic goal-setting for achieving tourism targets

By Charumini de Silva

The visa-free arrivals push for select seven countries aimed at boosting tourism has hit a snag with the scheme being delayed by several weeks.

Contrary to earlier announcements by Tourism Minister Harin Fernando following Cabinet approval, Immigration and Emigration Department Controller General Harsha Ilukpitiya

said the implementation of this initiative will not take effect immediately, but is projected to be realised in the second week of November.

“The approved proposal from the Cabinet necessitates adjustments to comply with the Immigrants and Emigrants Act No. 20 of 1948. This entails a procedural path involving review by the Legal Draftsman and subsequent approval from the Attorney General, followed by endorsement from the Parliament,” he told the Daily FT.

The clarification comes after the initial announcement by the Tourism Minister on Monday that the policy would come into effect immediately, which caused confusion and inconvenience to tourists who attempted to secure visas. 

As per the Cabinet approval India, Russia, China, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand were named for visa-free policy set to be in effect till 31 March 2024.

The misunderstanding by the tourism hierarchy has triggered disappointment within the tourism industry, as stakeholders express their concerns about the handling of tourism matters by the Ministry and related statutory bodies. 

Private-sector-driven champions argue that genuine efforts to promote tourism require more than just verbal assurances, insisting on the need for a comprehensive understanding of the nuances of the sector.

They caution that achieving tourism targets demands a well-informed approach and effective strategy implementation, stressing that merely paying lip service to the sector is insufficient and that setting realistic goals is crucial. 

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. 

 

Tourist arrivals top 1.1 millon