Colombo: Sri Lankan Cabinet has approved the policy to issue free tourist visas to travellers from India and six other countries. Foreign Minister Ali Sabry said on Tuesday that the cabinet took the decision amidst efforts to rebuild the debt-trapped Sri Lanka’s tourism sector.

In a statement he said that this would be carried out as a pilot project effective until March 31^st, 2024. The Cabinet approved free entry to travellers from India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand with immediate effect.

Tourists from these countries will be able to obtain visas when visiting Sri Lanka, without a fee. India is traditionally Sri Lanka’s top inbound tourism market.

Sri Lanka, which has been grappling with unprecedented economic turmoil since its independence from Britain in 1948, is also facing political unrest with protesters demanding President Rajapaksa’s resignation.