Sri Lankan President Proposes Making India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan “Borderless” for Tourism

Colombo: Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe proposed establishing a “borderless” tourism area in the BIMSTEC region during his speech at the 67th annual convention of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI). The BIMSTEC region comprises India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Nepal, and Bhutan. President Wickremesinghe emphasized tourism’s potential as a non-debt-creating revenue source and expressed his government’s commitment to revitalizing the industry.

To overcome Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic crisis, the government implemented measures such as debt restructuring and developing new tourism projects. President Wickremesinghe stressed achieving a positive balance of trade and viewed tourism as a means to generate funds without additional debt. He also mentioned plans for constructing golf courses and resorts, accompanied by changes to tourism sector laws and regulations.

In 2022, Sri Lanka faced its first-ever debt default, resulting in public protests and the removal of the then-president. President Wickremesinghe expressed optimism for the future, anticipating increased per capita income and travel within the next decade. He proposed creating a borderless tourism region within BIMSTEC to facilitate seamless travel and tourism among member countries. Additionally, he suggested utilizing the Bay of Bengal for cruise tourism.

The TAAI convention’s opening ceremony saw the attendance of various dignitaries, including the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Tourism and Lands, the Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation, and the Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau. President Wickremesinghe’s proposal received positive reception, with Minister De Silva expressing confidence in its potential to boost tourism in the BIMSTEC region. The convention also featured captivating performances by Sri Lankan artists.

Aligning with President Wickremesinghe’s vision, it was announced that daily flights between Jaffna in Sri Lanka and Chennai in India will commence on July 16. Bagley, the Indian High Commissioner, highlighted the historical and cultural ties between India and Sri Lanka, referring to the two countries as “civilizational twins.”