Colombo: Sri Lanka will allow visa-free entry to visitors from seven countries, including India, China and Russia, under a pilot project the country's foreign affairs minister said on Tuesday.

The decision was approved by the Sri Lanka Cabinet, minister Ali Sabry said.

The minister said that the pilot project that has begun with immediate efffect will continue till till March 31, 2024.

Taking to X, Minister Sabry said, "Cabinet approves issuing of free visas to India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia & Thailand with immediate effect as a pilot project till 31 March."

Last week, the Ministry of Tourism announced that a Cabinet Paper had been presented during the previous Cabinet meeting, proposing the issue of free tourist visas to foreigners from five countries who intend to visit Sri Lanka as tourists, The Daily Mirror reported.