In a significant boost to tourism in Sri Lanka, the government is likely to approve a proposal to waive visa fees for visitors from five nations, including India, its largest source market.

In its next meeting, the Sri Lankan cabinet is highly likely to approve a proposal to grant free visas to travellers from five nations, namely China, Russia, India, Thailand and Indonesia.

According to reports, the proposal was moved jointly by Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Tourism and Lands Minister Harin Fernando, Minister of Public Security Tiran Alas and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry. The reports adds that the proposal has been moved in order to attract more tourists from these countries to Sri Lanka.

The granting of free visas is expected to increase tourist arrivals to five million over the coming years, add officials of Tourism Ministry. They say making visa free will save money and time spent on obtaining visas and it will also make it easier for tourists to visit Sri Lanka.

India is the largest source market for Sri Lanka has been a key focus of the marketing and communication strategy of the tourism ministry, with several roadshows and event conducted in India. The tourism officials say that another boost likely to tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka is coming from China as Sri Lanka is one of the 20 countries where China has approved visits by Chinese tourists.

The Sri Lankan government is also actively considering introduction of e-ticketing system for most of tourist sites in the country.