Indian tourists, the largest group of visitors to Sri Lanka, will continue to enjoy free entry under a new visa initiative aimed at boosting arrivals.

Sri Lankan Cabinet spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa has said that Sri Lanka will introduce a six-month programme granting free tourist visas to passport holders from 39 countries, including India, China, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, and Australia.

Indian travellers had already been receiving free Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) under tourism promotion measures, and the new programme will allow them to continue visiting without paying visa fees.

Mr Jayatissa said draft regulations prepared under the Immigration and Emigration Act will be presented to Parliament for approval. Authorities expect the move to further boost tourism

Sri Lanka recorded about 2.3 million tourist arrivals in 2025, with India accounting for the largest share at roughly one-fifth of total visitors.