In the visa-on-arrival scheme, the countries that are now included are China, India, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Philippines, Russia and England.

TO PROMOTE tourism in the country, Sri Lanka has announced free visa to Indian passport holders on arrival in the country starting from August 1.

According to Tourism Ministry of Sri Lanka, they will provide the visa on arrival facility to the tourists, including travellers from India.

In the new scheme, Sri Lanka has added 10 additional countries to the list that were previously excluded from the 39-country scheme which were provided free visas.

In the visa-on-arrival scheme, the countries that are now included are China, India, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Philippines, Russia and England.

The visa scheme was originally introduced in the country to increase the off-season tourism during the period from May to October. But after the terrorist attacks in Colombo, tourism in the country dipped drastically. So this new rule will help boost tourism once again.

Earlier, Indians had to pay almost Rs 2,400 on visa fee on arrival in Sri Lanka, with the introduction of India in the list; tourist can save on the money.