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`The Business Chamber of Commerce has hailed the Government's initiative to decide to allow Visa free entry to visitors from SAARC countries.

"This is a noteworthy development that would augur well for inter-nation travel within our region, which would in turn have a salutary effect on development of Tourism, Trade and Industry in Sri Lanka', Secretary General, J.C. Savanadasa said in a press release.

'The Chamber has been for some time stressing the importance of visa free travel within the South Asian region. We were of course conscious of the security aspect of the matter " he said. The release said: "In the background of the recent developments in Sri Lanka, the prospects are indeed bright for permanent and lasting peace.

"The Government has in the circumstances taken the right step to permit Visa free travel which will hopefully be a major fillip to those who travel from these countries to Sri Lanka.

Quite apart from its impact on business, trade and tourism there is also a human element. A section of the population who have long family ties with India could also benefit from the decision.

Our Chamber is hopeful that this gesture on the part of the Sri Lanka Government is reciprocated by the countries concerned. In any case we are pleased that the Government has thought in terms of the varied benefits accruing from this decision which we could rightly state is also a step towards the establishment of a Free Trade area within our region which the SAARC nations have discussed for years.

This perhaps will mark the beginning of that significant goal", the release said.

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