The Sri Lankan Cabinet has approved a policy to issue free tourist visas to travelers from India and six other countries, including China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand. This initiative is part of a pilot project effective until March 31, 2024, aiming to revive the island nation’s tourism sector. Tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka declined significantly after the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings. The move is expected to encourage tourism from key markets, with India traditionally being Sri Lanka’s top inbound tourism source. The decision comes amidst broader economic and political challenges faced by Sri Lanka.