Sri Lanka eases driving rules for tourists to boost post-crisis recovery

Sri Lanka is seeing a resurgence in tourism as it recovers from its 2022 economic crisis, with 1.5 million arrivals and $2bn in earnings this year. To further boost these numbers, the government has introduced measures to attract more visitors, including offering temporary driving licences upon arrival. This initiative allows tourists with valid international or national licences to easily rent vehicles, particularly scooters and tuk-tuks, for self-drive holidays. While many in the tourism industry welcome the move, it has faced criticism from local tuk-tuk drivers who fear losing income. Safety concerns have also been raised, as inexperienced foreign drivers navigate Sri Lanka's sometimes challenging roads.

Al Jazeera's Minelle Fernandez reports from Weligama, Sri Lanka.

Subscribe to our channel: http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe
Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/AJEnglish
Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aljazeera
Check our website: http://www.aljazeera.com/
Check out our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/aljazeeraenglish/
Download AJE Mobile App: https://aje.io/AJEMobile

#SriLanka #SriLankaTourism #TravelSriLanka #VisitSriLanka #SriLankaTravel #SriLankaCrisisRecovery #SriLankaEconomy #SriLankaTourists #SriLankaTourism2025 #SriLankaTourismGrowth