The VOA will continue to be extended to countries that offer a reciprocal privilege to Sri Lankan nationals, like Singapore and the Maldives.

“We really hope the government will not introduce this scheme,” said Hiran Cooray, chairman of Jetwing and PATA. “If they do, we have to make it as hassle-free as possible, so that the impact is minimised.”

To promote tourism, Sri Lanka has been granting a 30-day VOA to Western tourists, as well as those from developed nations, since the 1970s. The scheme was extended to the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation nations in the mid-90s to tap the region’s potential.

Initially mooted in August last year, the VOA withdrawal was put on hold because of large-scale representations by the Sri Lankan tourism and hospitality industry, which feared a drop in tourist arrivals.

Chulananda Perera, Sri Lanka Immigration and Emigration controller-general, said the new online visa application system would be implemented in about 80 days. After submission of application and payment of fees, visitors would get their visas within one to three days.

Perera insisted that Sri Lanka’s tourism industry would not be affected by the new system, and that the switch would in fact make it easier for tourists.

Nagsri Prasad Sashidhar of Mumbai-based Mercury Travels was less optimistic. “ Sri Lanka was very attractive for us given the VOA facility. We would recommend it as a good option to tourists who were going to Maldives,” he said. “The withdrawal will cause numbers to fall and make the destination less appealing to our clients.”

Extracted from TTG, by Shekhar Niyogi, Kolkata, May 30, 2011

Very fast, very prompt in follow up for our batam trip. Provided me with excellent service for my pending redang trip.

I have and will continue to recommend your services to my friends in the forums and family should they need to travel.

Keep up the great work!

The host Conor Woodman is actually an economist by profession, but one day just felt that he don’t want to be desk- bound, so decided to go round the world. But with a difference. He traded to go round the world. He sold his house for £25,000 and went to different countries, buying from one region n selling at other making a profit. Watch it… quite a different n inspiring program!!

Check out how to sell chilli source in India!!

Way to go… 20 years since our graduation for batch 1989! Other younger n older batches were there also. This reunion is special cos it is at Monk’s Hill itself. The school has a new lease of life since May 2009 this year. Now is a hip education hub and houses many other offices.  All our classrooms are converted to functional offices.

Our canteen is converted to a hip bistro serving  International food and wine. Not advertising the place… but a cool gathering place, and it really bring back loads of memories.  The “new canteen” bistro detail: District 10 – Tel: 6738 4788 if anyone keen on future or personal gathering.

Surprise appearance by the teachers – Mr Aman, Mrs Govin, Ms Ong KT, Mdm Ng, Mrs Ang KK, Mr Tan Wang Tee and even Mrs Neo Bick Yin (our principle). It made the occasion special. We also manage to celebrate Steven Wong birthday there….

Thanks to everyone who made time for this gathering. You all have made the event memorable and special. For those who miss it, hope you will pop over to our old school when you have time and feel it yourself. Bet those fond memories will just overwhelm u… Till the next time we meet…. below are some photos for remembrance

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