Sri Lanka Roundup: Free visa offers, sports controversy, election promises
Free visa for 35 countries
Sri Lanka is launching a six-month pilot programme on October 1, 2024, offering free 30-day tourist visas on arrival to citizens from 35 countries, including the U.S., UK, Russia, and China, to boost tourism. Skift reports this initiative waives the typical $50 visa fee and aligns with the country's peak travel season from December to mid-April. Sri Lanka aims to attract 2.5 million visitors and generate $4 billion in tourism revenue by year-end.
Marxist leader eyes foreign capital
Sri Lanka's main Marxist leader and presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayaka has promised to selectively attract foreign investment, particularly in green energy, if elected. As reported by Daily Journal, the 55-year-old former agricultural minister aims to address corruption, which he links to the country's 2022 economic crisis, resonating with voters frustrated by the issue.
Sri Lanka targets Saudi Arabia for tourism boost
Sri Lanka is targeting Saudi Arabia as a crucial market to boost its tourism industry, which has struggled since the COVID-19 pandemic. Tourism previously generated $4.4 billion in 2018 but fell below 1% of GDP in 2020. To revive this sector, Arab News adds Sri Lanka has introduced free tourist visas for visitors from 35 countries, including Saudi Arabia. Authorities believe this move will make Sri Lanka more appealing compared to other destinations that impose visa requirements.
Arrival of the Indian Navy’s frontline warship
The Indian Navy's frontline warship, INS Mumbai, arrived in Colombo on August 26 for a three-day visit, marking its first port call in Sri Lanka. Built at Mazagon Dock Limited and commissioned in 2001, INS Mumbai has completed a mid-life upgrade and is now part of the Eastern Naval Command. According to the Daily Mirror, during its stay, the ship will deliver essential spares for the Sri Lanka Air Force's Dornier maritime patrol aircraft and provide training to SLAF pilots and navigators. INS Mumbai's visit aims to enhance cooperation and share best practices between the Indian and Sri Lankan Navies. It will depart Colombo on August 29, 2024.
Football controversy
Australian MP Jason Wood criticised a controversial ball change during the third day of the first Test between England and Sri Lanka at Old Trafford. The change, requested by England after the 41st over, drew backlash for benefiting the home team while Sri Lanka was performing well. Wood referenced a similar incident from the previous Ashes series, expressing concern over England's tactics and suggesting they manipulate the game to their advantage, as reported by Newswire. The new ball allowed England's bowlers to capitalise on extra movement, leading to key wickets.
