Oct 02, Colombo: The Sri Lankan government has delayed the implementation of the Electronic Travel Authorization ((ETA) system till next year in order to address concerns raised by various sectors including the tourism sector.
Deputy Economic Development Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena speaking to ColomboPage said the government had to consider several concerns raised by various sectors and would therefore delay the implementation of the online visas.
Sri Lanka's Immigration and Emigration Department launched the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system Friday to grant prior approval for visa via online for foreign nationals from 78 countries. The system was to take effect from Saturday (01).
One of the main concerns according to the deputy minister is the possible impact on the tourism industry that is currently on an upward trend following the end of the two decade long war.
The government is targeting 2.5 million visitors to the country by 2016 and revenue of US$ 2 billion.
Tourist arrivals in the first eight months of 2011 have increased by 35.2 percent to 537,787, compared to the same period last year. The revenue has also increased by 50 percent in the first seven months to US$ 451.4 million year-on-year.
According to Abeywardena, the on-arrival visas are to remain until the government finalizes the online visa system.
The online visas are to be effective from January 01, 2012.
Source:http://www.colombopage.com/archive_11B/Oct02_1317535927JR.php
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