News
Indian Navy vessel delivers shipment of urgently needed oxygen

By Norman Palihawadane
Indian Navy ship, INS Shakti, arrived at the Colombo Port yesterday with liquid oxygen purchased by the Sri Lankan government.
Accordingly, 100 tonnes of liquid oxygen needed for COVID-19 treatment in Sri Lanka have been brought from Visakhapatnam, India.
In addition, Sri Lanka Naval Ship (SLNS) Shakthi, which left the Trincomalee harbour on 17 August 2021 to bring an urgent shipment of oxygen, is expected to return from Chennai on Monday (23).
In response to a request by Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne from the Chief of Naval Staff of the Indian Navy, Admiral Karambir Singh, to assist in expediting the transporting process of oxygen from India through Sri Lanka Navy, the Indian Navy dispatched its naval ship, ‘Shakti’, with the load of oxygen, signifying the longstanding cooperation between the navies of both countries.
The Lankan Navy was prepared to make its contribution to continuing this service as long as it is needed, considering it as a matter of national concern, it said.
The government recently decided to purchase 100 metric tons of oxygen from India for COVID-19 treatment centres.
Later, the Cabinet of Ministers approved a monthly purchase of 350,000 more litres of liquid medical grade Oxygen to further assist the treatment processes.
Business
President outlines a bold vision for Sri Lanka tourism at THASL’s 58th AGM

Addressing the 58th Annual General Meeting of The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) held on Monday (27) at Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo, President Ranil Wickremesinghe outlined a comprehensive strategy to propel the country’s tourism sector to new heights. Focused on surpassing the target of 5 million tourists and redefining traditional approaches, the President’s vision extends to achieving 7.5 million visitors in the coming years. The President emphasized the need for innovative thinking and collaboration within the industry to ensure sustainable growth.
“When I took over the government, I realized that sustainability alone is not sufficient. How are we going to earn foreign exchange? How are we going to have a positive balance of trade? In that, there were many suggestions. But what is the low-hanging fruit? And one of the low-hanging fruits was tourism. Let’s promote tourism fully,” President Wickremesinghe declared.
The President acknowledged the need to move beyond the existing framework and embrace competition to elevate Sri Lanka’s standing in the global tourism market. Drawing parallels with countries like Vietnam, he questioned why they had more tourists despite being in the industry for a shorter period. President Wickremesinghe stressed the importance of increasing the number of tourists to 2.5 million in the upcoming year and subsequently expanding on this figure.
(PMD)
Business
Free visas for nationals of China, India, Indonesia, Russsia, Thailand, Malaysia and Japan from Monday (27)

The Controller General of Immigration and Emigration has stated that nationals of China, India, Indonesia, Russsia, Thailand, Malaysia and Japan will be granted free visas from Monday 27-11-2023 to 31-03-2024 as a pilot program to rebuild the tourism industry.
Nationals of the above nominated countries possessing, Diplomatic, Official, Public Affairs, Services and Ordinary Passports are eligible to enjoy a visa free regime under this scheme.
The above mentioned nationals should apply for Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arriving in Sri Lanka subject to granting / issuing free of charge up to 31-03-2024.
Under this scheme tourists can enjoy a 30 days free visa period and a double entry facility is permitted within 30 days from the date of first arrival in Sri Lanka.
Free ETA under this scheme can be applied up to 31-03-2024.
The free ETA cannot be extended further and is limited only to thirty (30) days. In case the free ETA period of 30 days expires after 31-03-2024, an extension of visa could be applied subject to paying the appropriate fee.
Latest News
Cabinet gives green light for Colombo Port City Order No. 3 of 2023 to be presented in Parliament

The President in his capacity as the Minister of Investment Promotion has published the Colombo Port City Orders No. 3 of 2023 (Enterprises with Strategic Value – Guidelines for releasing or encouraging to award for customs – free enterprises) under the provisions of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act No. 11 of 2021 by the extraordinary gazette notification No. 2355/30 dated 25.10.2023.
The Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposal furnished by the Hon. President in his capacity as the Minister of Investment Promotions to submit the said orders to the Parliament for its concurrence.
(PMD)
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