Colombo (News 1st): The program to provide free visa facilities for tourists from 48 countries begins today (August 1). The Tourism Promotion Bureau said tourists from 48 countries, including India and China, will be able to visit Sri Lanka free of visa charges.

The Bureau stated that its aim is to promote the tourism industry that has collapsed after the 04/21 terror attacks. The Cabinet of Ministers approved free tourist visa programs to attract more tourists to the country.

Accordingly, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the Philippines, Poland, Russia, Singapore, Britain and the United States are among the 48 nationalities who will be granted free visas.

• Many lives at risk due to leak in Hunupalagama tank bund
• “SLPP is a separate branch of SLFP, the only difference is that we did not join forces with the UNP” : Mahinda Rajapaksa
• “We have no idea of contesting to ensure anyone’s victory or defeat” – Shivajilingam
• Books authored by Bandula Gunawardena presented to Asgiriya chief prelate
• Intruder breaks into MP Kumara Welgama’s residence