sri lanka tourism news

Tourism in Sri Lanka: One step forward, two steps back

A spiralling economic crisis is hurting tourism, a key source of dollars that had barely revived after three bad years.

Colombo, Sri Lanka – Tourism in Sri Lanka just can’t seem to catch a break.

Three years ago, the number of tourists was down 18 percent following the Easter Sunday bombings in April 2019. The coronavirus pandemic that followed in 2020 was particularly bad. Arrivals fell drastically and there were no signs of recovery until November 2021, when the government removed all quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated tourists, encouraging vacationers to come to the island state.

Keep reading

As foreign reserves slip, sri lanka to devalue currency as foreign reserves slip, sri lanka to ..., sri lanka reverses course, seeks financial support from imf sri lanka reverses course, seeks ..., sri lanka secures $1bn credit line from india as imf signals help sri lanka secures $1bn credit line from ..., sri lankan protesters demand president quit over economic crisis sri lankan protesters demand president ....

It was a welcome change as tourism is the third-largest source of foreign exchange for the country – behind worker remittances and the apparel industry – a large employer and an important source of dollars that help the government run the country.

But now as Sri Lanka grapples with the worst financial crisis the country has ever faced, there are daily power cuts and people are forced to stand in kilometres-long queues to buy fuel and cooking gas . Inflation was 17.5 percent  in February and the government has further tightened its restrictions on imports, exacerbating shortages. All of this is once again keeping tourists away – at a time when the government is scrambling to find ways to repay an overwhelming amount of foreign loans and needs those tourist dollars. 

“We need to find solutions for these people as soon as possible,” President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said in his national address on Sri Lanka’s independence day earlier in February. “As such, whilst strictly adhering to health recommendations, we have acted to restart the tourism industry in a phased manner.”

Worsening economic conditions

“Business has been fantastic the last few months,” said Kate Hopkinson, a foreign national who owns a restaurant and a bed and breakfast in Weligama, a popular coastal town in the south of the country. The prevailing economic conditions, however, are making it extremely tough for her to keep her business running.

“Due to the gas shortage, we have to buy on the black market, food prices are skyrocketing, [and] flour and imported goods are getting harder and harder to source. We run an Italian restaurant and we need cheese, but that is in short supply because of the import restrictions and local alternatives are getting pricier due to the milk shortage,” Hopkinson said.

Hopkinson is not the only one suffering. Restaurant owner Rasika Lakmal and lifestyle and travel ambassador Paloma Monnappa operate tourism businesses in the popular coastal towns of Galle and Unawatuna.

“We are facing four- to seven-hour-long power cuts daily. Fishermen are forced to cut back on fishing due to the fuel shortage, [and] shipping containers with essential items are stuck at the port because the country doesn’t have the money to pay for them”, said Monnappa.

“Every time you think of a possible solution you’re faced with a new issue or obstacle. You buy a generator but there’s no diesel to run it. We are desperate for tourists, but how do we cater to them? My Sri Lankan friends tell me the economy wasn’t this bad even during the war,” she said.

While some restaurants are buying gas from other cities like Colombo and Matara, Lakmal says that’s not an option for him. “If we do that then it costs about 10,000 Sri Lankan rupees ($35), more than double the normal price. We can’t afford that,” he said.

Spillover from the Russia-Ukraine war

Sri Lanka’s usual top tourism source markets are India, China, the United Kingdom and Germany, but since tourism’s reopening, many visitors have been coming from the Eastern bloc, with Russia and Ukraine bringing in 25 percent of arrivals between January and mid-February, partly on the back of active marketing by the tourism authorities targeting those regions.

However, Western sanctions on Russia like the ban on the SWIFT international payment system have now spilled over onto Sri Lanka as well. “Inquiries from Ukraine and Russian nationals came to a complete halt,” Dimitra Fernando, who manages a chain of villas for tourists to rent, told Al Jazeera. “We had Russian guests who were already in the country, but they cancelled all their bookings with us because they did not have money to pay. They couldn’t use their cards, nor could they withdraw money.”

But the main issue continues to be Sri Lanka’s own economic situation. The UK government, for instance, updated its travel advisory for Sri Lanka and warned travellers of shortages and power outages. “Inquiries from the UK and Middle-Eastern market have slowed down so much after the travel advisories,” said Fernando. “We manage eight villas, but we have not had even one booking since.”

Nuwan Amarasuriya, who works for a travel agency that gets most of its business from travellers from the UK, told Al Jazeera that the agency’s clients are “very concerned” about the ongoing shortage of fuel and other essentials, “so we are constantly in touch with them to reassure them”.

Authorities have ensured that tourism vehicles would be given priority in fuel queues, but this has caused anger among locals who are forced to queue for hours. A heated argument broke out in a town in Colombo this week when police officers attempted to allow a tourist coach to pump fuel ahead of others.

Labour shortages

Immediate problems aside, the industry must also address its labour shortage.

Although tourism has been growing in significance for the Sri Lankan economy, it struggled with labour shortages long before COVID-19. In 2018, Malik Fernando, head of the industry body the Tourism Skills Committee, told a roomful of tourism stakeholders that the country needs 100,000 more tourism sector employees within the next three years. “Yet, we only train about 10,000 each year,” he said.

Lakmal has been struggling to find staff for his restaurant in Unawatuna most of whom have “moved on” to other occupations and industries after the last couple of bad years. “They are not interested in working in the tourism industry anymore,” he said.

With the ongoing economic crisis the skills shortage is likely to become more acute as many tourism workers are looking at moving overseas or are not interested in returning to an uncertain industry.

“The issue with the Sri Lankan tourism industry is the pay structure,” said Ahamed Nizar, a tourism consultant. “There is a low basic pay which is topped up with service charges and tips, but that depends on how well the property is performing. So obviously without any tourists, workers were earning next to nothing the last few years and it was very difficult to survive.”

Nizar says he’s seen many skilled tourism workers migrate while the unskilled workers have found alternate options with stable pay. One of his clients doesn’t offer a dinner service any more because of the shortage of staff, while another is making do with a skeletal staff, he said.

A bumpy road ahead

While COVID-19 appears to be in the rearview mirror as far as Sri Lanka is concerned, the worsening economic situation has cast a heavy shadow on tourism. The government’s attempt to preserve what little foreign exchange reserves it has with measures like restricting imports of food items has had a severe impact on the availability of essential goods.

“Some restaurants have had to close for days because of the gas shortage; some have had to remove or reduce their menu offerings due to the import bans and rising cost of local food items. The power cuts are very difficult to explain to tourists. They do empathise with our plight, but nobody wants to come on holiday and sit in the darkness and the heat,” sighs Nizar.

• My View My View
• Following Following
• Saved Saved

Sri Lanka approves free tourist visa for seven countries to boost tourism

• Medium Text

Sign up here.

Reporting by Uditha Jayasinghe; Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. New Tab , opens new tab

World Chevron

Israel rescues four hostages in Gaza; Palestinians say 50 dead in Israeli assault

It was not immediately clear if the hostage rescue and the deadly Israeli assault were part of the same operation but both took place in al-Nuseirat, an often embattled area in the eight-month-old war between Israel and Gaza's ruling Hamas.

• Philippines
• South Korea
• The Maldives
• Appointments
• Trade Calendar
• News Archive

• Print Edition

Sri Lankan tourism growing, ambitious targets for 2024

Tourism is growing in Sri Lanka, after multiple crises in the past five years, and well on target to achieve the ambitious 2.3 million arrivals scheduled for this year, officials said.

“In fact, we are hoping to exceed the 2024 target with an increase in flights and new airlines coming in,” state-run Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) chairman Priantha Fernando told  TTG Asia .

The country fell short of the 2023 target of 1.5 million with arrivals at 1,487,303 in 2023, sharply up by 106.6 per cent from 719,978 in 2022. Arrivals last month were 210,352, up from 91,961 in December 2022. This is still lower than 253,169 arrivals in December 2018, the highest month for arrivals recorded so far. Arrivals in 2018 at 2.3 million was the highest on record, thereafter the numbers fell due to Easter Sunday bombing attacks on three hotels in 2019, followed by the closure of the airport owing to the Covid-19 pandemic followed by an acute economic crisis in 2022.

Fernando said they should have exceeded the 2023 target if not for problems associated with two markets – Russia and Israel. “We were expecting two weekly flights from Israel from October which didn’t happen owing to the war, while another 2,000 arrivals from Russia was lost in December due to the dispute over a registration problem by budget carrier I-Fly, a Russian charter operator.”

The top source markets last year were India, the Russian Federation, the UK, Germany, China, Australia, France, Canada, the US and the Maldives. Foreign exchange earnings from tourism in 2023 were expected to exceed US$2 billion, up from US$1.13 billion in the previous year. Fernando said limited seat capacities of key markets also resulted in the 2023 target being missed. The number of airlines flying into Sri Lanka in 2018 was 52, which has dropped to 38 today, but more airlines were expected to resume flights this year.

He said under a new programme launched in China, arrivals from there to Sri Lanka are planned to reach one million by 2025. “If we can hit 400,000-500,000 from China this year, we would well be on the way to achieve another good year,” he said. Arrivals from China, which have slowed down in the post-lockdown period, reached 68,789 in 2023. 2018 was the best year for Chinese tourists with 265,965 visiting Sri Lanka.

He said national carrier SriLankan Airlines, which accounted for 38 per cent of passenger capacity, should go up 45 to 50 per cent in the coming months with the induction of more planes.

Digital Travel APAC Summit 2024 returns with a fresh roster of industry professionals for networking and sharing of insights

Uncover the wonders of Thailand with BWH Hotels

Riu Hotels & Resorts opens two all-inclusive hotels in Mauritius

Is Your Business Listed On TTGmice Planner Online?

Celebrate the art of Monet at Gardens by the Bay this July

A luxurious stay at the iconic Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel

Discover the beauty of Thailand with industry-leading properties from ONYX Hospitality Group

Advertise with us

Future of Tourism: Digital Travel APAC 2023 Innovation Brief

RELATED ARTICLES

Mastercard travel trends report reveals top destinations, rise in longer stays, asia-pacific travel gains momentum: forwardkeys, chinese travel to the middle east set for full recovery by 2025, colombo’s controversial hotel pricing policy to end may 31, sri lanka makes u-turn on decision to double visa fees, philippines tourism recovery continues to peak with over two million arrivals, chinese outbound travel surges in 1q, approaches pre-pandemic levels for labour day: forwardkeys, friendly visa policy for the chinese key to recovery: philippine tourism officer, strong 2023 performance powers club med’s 2024 growth ambitions, tried and tested.

Oasia Resort Sentosa

Discover Japan’s wonders with Rakuten Travel

What to buy now.

New hotels: SO/ Maldives, Palace Dubai Creek Harbour and more

• TTG Travel Awards
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use

All Rights Reserved

Saturday Jun 08, 2024

Group News Sites

Dailymirror

Sunday Times

Tamil Mirror

Middleast Lankadeepa

Life Online

Home delivery

Advertise with us

Sri Lanka Tourism rolls out ambitious global campaign after 16 years

Thursday, 31 August 2023 03:14 -     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

SLTPB Chairman Chalaka Gajabahu gestures during the media briefing on Tuesday, flanked by Phoenix Ogilvy CEO Sudesh Sundhara Moorthy (right) and SLTPB Marketing Director Dushan Wickramasuriya — Pic by Upul Abayasekara 

•    Rs. 1.6 b two-phased strategy includes a short-term 3-month campaign starting tomorrow, followed by a thematic long-term promotion in January
•  Aims to transform perception of Sri Lanka and position it as a premier travel destination
•  Campaign meticulously crafted in partnership with creative and strategy agency – Phoenix Ogilvy
•  SLTPB Chief Chalaka Gajabahu says goal is to revive tourism industry promoting Sri Lanka as a must-visit destination for first-time and seasoned visitors
•  Marketing communication roadmap involves strategic, phased approach tailored to booking patterns of key markets
•  Initial focus on India, UK, China, Germany, France followed by target markets: Australia, Russia, Middle East, Scandinavia, Japan, Republic of Korea
•  Collaboration with international social media influencers and celebrities from 2024 onwards
•  Phoenix Ogilvy Sri Lanka CEO Sudesh Sundhara Moorthy says aim is to capitalise on potential of Sri Lanka’s diverse, unparalleled experiences to create an effective branding
•  Messaging strategy includes Interim Digital Campaign, Destination Positioning Campaign, Destination Stories

By Charumini de Silva

Sri Lanka Tourism is set to embark on its most comprehensive global campaign in over a decade, with an ambitious two-phased strategy aimed at transforming the perception of the country and positioning it as a premier travel destination.  With an investment of Rs. 1.6 billion, the global campaign will have a short-term three-month campaign commencing tomorrow, while the thematic long-term promotion is scheduled for January 2024 onwards. Under the visionary leadership of Tourism Minister Harin Fernando and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) Chairman Chalaka Gajabahu, the goal of the campaign is to revive the tourism industry and promote Sri Lanka as a must-visit destination for first-time and seasoned visitors.  “This marks the first global campaign for Sri Lanka Tourism in 16 years. Previous efforts lacked a strategic foundation, and this time, the campaign is derived after in-depth global research and crafted in partnership with Phoenix Ogilvy, the creative and strategy agency,” Gajabahu told journalists on Tuesday. As per him, the first phase, beginning tomorrow (1), is focused on addressing the negative perceptions surrounding the destination, with the tagline “Sri Lanka is ready to check-in.” This immediate push aims to counter negative publicity and to create awareness that Sri Lanka is ready to welcome the world and promote the country’s diverse attractions. The second phase of the campaign is set to unfold in January 2024, featuring the thematic tagline “You’ll come back for more,” encapsulating the multifaceted charm of Sri Lanka that leaves a lasting impression on travellers. Elaborating on the marketing communication roadmap Gajabahu outlined the campaign will be rolled out through a strategic, phased approach tailored to the booking patterns of key markets. “This is aimed at maximising impact to ensure gradual and structured expansion of reach,” he added. The first phase of the thematic campaign will debut in four key markets – India, UK, China, Germany and France, which will be followed by the launch of a more extensive long-term campaign focused on 14 key markets Australia, Russia, the Middle East, Scandinavia, Japan, and Republic of Korea from January 2024. He reiterated that the strategic allocation of resources and focus on select markets does not mean neglecting others. “We will be putting our main marketing budget on these specific markets over the next 18-months,” he explained. Noting that the campaign adopts a holistic approach, encompassing various facets of advertising including above-the-line (ATL), below-the-line (BTL), digital marketing, and public relations (PR), Gajabahu emphasised that their strategy goes beyond traditional methods, aiming to break new ground in showcasing the uniqueness of Sri Lanka. He said the global endeavour will also include a domestic campaign, preparing Sri Lankans to extend warm welcomes to the incoming visitors, under the same strategic destination positioning. Notably, a third promotional wave aims to draw Sri Lanka’s diaspora around the world back to their roots, fostering memorable holidays with friends and family. To propel this campaign into the spotlight, Sri Lanka Tourism also plans to collaborate with international social media influencers and celebrities, tapping into the power of their endorsements from 2024 onwards.  Phoenix Ogilvy Sri Lanka CEO Sudesh Sundhara Moorthy said the campaign’s bedrock lies in the three pillars form Sri Lanka’s unique identity: Compactness, Diversity, and Authenticity. “In prevailing pattern observed in the branding strategies of numerous Asian destinations involves the utilisation of adjectives to characterise how a destination presents itself. However in the case of Sri Lanka Tourism, the potential for effective branding resides in the profound influence that its diverse and unparalleled experiences create on travellers,” he pointed out. Elaborating on the messaging strategy; Moorthy said it comprises three strategic phases: Interim Digital Campaign, Destination Positioning Campaign and Destination Stories. “The first phase assures travellers of Sri Lanka’s safety and openness while highlighting the geographical compactness of the island and its diverse array of unique experiences. In the second phase, the spotlight turns to the launch of the new destination positioning, ‘You’ll Come Back for More’. This innovative approach distinguishes Sri Lanka from other travel destinations, providing visitors with an irresistible reason to not just visit but to return. In the final phase, Moorthy said, culminating in captivating narratives, it beckons high-end travellers to immerse themselves in the unparalleled uniqueness that Sri Lanka offers. Sri Lanka aims to draw 1.55 million tourists and earn over $ 3 billion from tourism this year, whilst setting its sights on increasing arrivals to 5 million and earning an impressive $ 21.6 billion within seven years. As part of its long-term strategy to welcome 5 million visitors by 2030, it hopes to lift the average spending per visitor to $ 4,000, with 2.5 million of them spending over $ 500 per day, indicating a concentration on luring high-end tourists.

• Join the Alliance
• Tourism Advisory Group
• Member Directory
• Membership Categories
• Join the Alliance for Free
• Love Sri Lanka Jobs
• Agent Portal
• Sri Lanka Travel Expert Training Portal
• Sustainability Training Modules
• Sri Lanka Tourism Alliance Top 10 Sustainability Principles
• Sustainability Champions Program
• Resilience Action Plan
• Love Sri Lanka
• COVID-19 Response Plan
• Crisis Response Plan
• Emerging Leaders Program
• Grants for Tourism Resilience
• Responsible Tourism
• Alliance Updates
• Member Updates
• Opinion Pieces
• Media Centre
• Industry Research & Reports
• Destination Marketing Campaign Results
• Video Library
• Career Paths
• Tourism Career Inspo Videos
• Inclusivity in Tourism
• Niche Tourism Marketing Tool Kits

• News and Updates

Post-Covid Tourism & Travel Trends to Look Out For

Tourism has undoubtedly been one of the hardest hit industries due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In Sri Lanka, tourist arrivals from January-March 2020 were a mere 1/2million in comparison to 2.3 million in 2018 and 1.9 million in 2019 ( Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority / SLTDA ). Coronavirus has impacted every economy and every individual on this planet, however with vaccination rates improving each day, people are now wanting to leave the safety of their homes, to explore the world once more. However our collective experience with the Covid-19 pandemic will most likely change HOW we choose to travel, as well as the kind of travel experiences we will seek.

Conscious Travel – Exploring The World Whilst Doing The Right Thing

Repeated lockdowns and being restricted to the four walls of their homes or apartments experienced by most people in the last couple of years, has provided much needed pause to reflect on the things that actually matter. As global travel ground to a halt, it gave us an opportunity to reflect on what travel meant to each of us and how it was impacting the world around us. As a result, post-covid travel is likely to be more in the style of “slow travel” – the type of travel where you’re conscious about the impact your travel has on your own holistic wellbeing but also on the environment, local community and the world around you. The pandemic has made us all realize how fragile our lives and the world around us is, and that we are truly responsible for looking after it. As a result, tourism operators will need to step up their game in terms of how their day to day operations positively impact local communities and the environment around them. ‘Conscious Travelers’ will demand that tourism operators are more conscientious in their efforts to minimize their carbon footprint, stop using single-use plastic, provide jobs and other benefits back to local communities, treat animals kindly and protect and conserve the natural environment around them.

Experiential Travel – Immersive Experiences Bringing Countries and Cultures to Life

Covid-induced reflection has also made many realize our own mortality and with it has arrived a deep desire to experience the world with authenticity and to experience everything the world has to offer by immersing ourselves in the experience. This means a lot of travelers would rather spend the time thoroughly experiencing and enjoying local culture, food, history and nature at a destination, rather than travel ‘superficially’ i.e. tick-off a check list of “top tourist attractions”. Experiential tourism gives tourism operators the advantage of being able to sell unique experiences to their guests, rather than just a hotel room and meals. The Sri Lanka Tourism Revival strategy by Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority highlights this growing trend “The identification of Unique Selling Proposition (USP) of the destination is key and Sri Lanka Tourism needs to focus on experiences-based tourism activities, giving increased attention in the niche segments of tourism.”

Wellness Travel – In The Pursuit of Holistic Wellbeing

“Quarantine Fatigue’ refers to the negative mental and physical effects that have been brought on by the pandemic. For most people, being in consecutive lockdowns has been a stressful experience, heighted by the inability to spend time with loved ones and being kept away from enjoyable pursuits like outdoor activities, fitness and yoga classes, attending social events etc. As a result, society at large has become increasingly exhausted and anxious. Wellness Tourism has been a growing market for the last decade however, Covid has really put new life into this travel category. More people are now likely to want to spend their time and money on travel experiences that improve their mental, physical and emotional wellbeing, placing high demand on yoga and wellness retreats, spiritual events and ayurveda and spa retreats. Sri Lanka’s traditional medicine & ayurveda spas, buddhist temples, yoga & meditation centres, all set against the backdrop of the island’s inherently beautiful natural landscapes which are soothing to the mind and soul, gives Sri Lanka’s tourism industry an added advantage in capitalising on the rising demand for Wellness Travel. Recently Sri Lanka was rated #4 in the World’s Top Wellness Destinations. Operators must take heed and if you don’t already have a wellness offering within your business, it’s time to diversify and take the plunge.

Adventure Travel – Seize The Day!

Travel experts are noticing that more people are embracing adventure experiences than they may have done 18 months ago, possibly because we’ve all realised that “YOLO” (you only live once!), so we should make the most of it and live life to the fullest. For some that means climbing the highest mountain, going paragliding, trying out white-water rafting, kite surfing, rock climbing – the options are endless. Sri Lanka is well equipped to handle this surge in adventure tourism – hiking in the Knuckles mountains, white-water rafting at Kitulgala, rock-climbing in Sigiriya, kitesurfing in Kalpitiya – operators within these areas are likely to see an increase in demand for their offering and operators in other regions which have the potential to provide exciting outdoor experiences for thrill seekers, should look to diversify their travel offering.

Nature Travel – Letting Nature Heal Your Soul

There is no denying that spending time in nature provides therapeutic benefits. Science has proven that nature can actually heal and that is exactly why most of us yearn to spend time in the great outdoors when we feel emotionally and mentally drained. Many of us were denied this privilege during the pandemic which made a lot of us realise that having access to nature IS actually a privilege and should not be taken for granted. ‘Nature travel’ or ‘tourism that is based on the natural attractions of an area’ is therefore likely to be in demand in the post-Covid era, as more people will simply want to unwind, unplug and relax in nature, making up for lost time. Sri Lanka’s abundance of natural landscapes and rich biodiversity positions the country well in this category. Tourism in Sri Lanka has predominantly always been nature-based, what the industry must therefore focus on, is making these nature-based experiences sustainable, to support future growth in this sector.

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has always been resilient. We have faced a 30 year civil-war, a tsunami, the Easter-Sunday attacks and now the Covid-19 pandemic and yet Sri Lanka is still one of the top destinations for global travelers. Recently being ranked 5th out of the ‘20 Best Countries To Visit in 2021’ by Conde Nast Traveler’s People’s Choice Awards demonstrated this. The Covid-19 pandemic has provided a unique opportunity for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry to reflect on its future. Industry operators must pay attention to the changing needs of international travelers and invest in creating experiences that meet their diverse expectations. We must prioritise improving service standards, making travel experiences authentic, community driven, environmentally friendly and ethical, in order to meet the rising demand for sustainable travel. Sri Lanka Tourism Alliance’s Conservation Tourism Trailblazers Webinar featuring leading tourism operators, highlighted how to run a profitable and sustainable tourism business in Sri Lanka. As borders begin to slowly re-open and global travel resumes in the post-pandemic world, simply promoting destinations and accommodation will no longer be sufficient. Sri Lanka’s tourism industry should leverage our natural advantages like nature, culture, community and traditional knowledge, to capitalise on these new travel trends.

Alliance Membership Join Today

Join the Alliance and access a host of opportunities to grow your business

Recent Posts

• Are Sri Lankan Homestays an important category in main-stream tourism? 5th June, 2024
• Sri Lanka Special – Cool as Colombo 27th May, 2024
• Webinar on E – Tourism learning | Transforming tourism with technology 15th May, 2024
• John Keells Group Teams up with Melco for Cinnamon Life Integrated Resort project 2nd May, 2024
• Balance Your Body And Mind At Santani, Sri Lanka’s Top Wellness Retreat 22nd April, 2024
• Vacancies (2)
• Resilience Webinars (8)
• Member Updates (8)
• Alliance Updates (21)
• Conservation Webinars (2)
• Responsible Tourism Blogs (4)
• Opinion Pieces (31)
• Press Releases (10)
• The Alliance in the News (4)
• Uncategorized (1)
• February 2024
• January 2024
• December 2023
• January 2023
• December 2022
• October 2022
• February 2022
• January 2022
• December 2021
• November 2021
• October 2021
• September 2021
• August 2021
• February 2021
• January 2021
• December 2020
• November 2020
• October 2020
• September 2020
• August 2020
• October 2019

lovesrilanka_slta

• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy

Meet the locals:

• Tourism News
• Wildlife Streaming
• Board of Directors
• Tourism Publications
• Important Notices
• Tender Documents

Tourism Hotline: 1912

• Sri Lanka At A Glance
• International Endorsements
• 10 Good Reasons to Visit Sri Lanka
• Marvels of Sri Lanka
• World Class Sri Lanka
• Sri Lankan Legends

12 Things to Do in Colombo

Suggested Itineraries

• Lesser Known Attractions

Sri Lankan Heritage

Provincial Tourism

• Tourist Map of Sri Lanka
• Interactive Map
• Tourist Attractions
• Beach Holidays
• Wild Safaris
• Adventure Sports
• Adventure Tours
• Whale Watching
• Discover The Past
• Nature Trails
• Scenic Beauty
• Meetings & Conferences
• Colombo City Tour
• Eco Tourism
• Tourist Friendly Eating Places
• Spa & Wellness Centers
• Spice Gardens
• Tourist Shops
• Arts and Crafts
• Volunteer Tourism
• Research Tourism
• Things to See
• Buy Gemstone
• Upcoming Events
• Visa Requirements
• Plan Your Trip
• Visa Services
• Online Services
• Sri Lankan Embassies
• Travel Tips
• Travel Habits

Getting Around

• Distance Calculator
• Sri Lanka Weather
• Emergency Services
• Sri Lankan Public Holidays 2022
• Best Of Sri Lanka
• Tour Guides
• Authorized Tourist Drivers
• Authorized Tuk Tuk Drivers
• Buy E-Tickets for Attractions
• Travel Magazines and Directories
• Tourist Information System (Kiosks)
• Currency Converter
• Travel Apps
• Foreign Embassies
• Travel Agents
• Doing Business in Sri Lanka
• Online Booking
• Hotels & Other Accommodation
• Newly Registered Hotels & Other Accommodation
• Explore the Sri Lanka's Best
• National Holiday Resorts (Also Known as "Tourist Board Guest Houses")
• Travel Blog
• SLTPB Promotional KIT
• E-Brochures & Attraction Guides
• Management Team
• Supplier Registration 2018
• Plan a business event test
• Chinese New Year 2018
• What the world has to say
• Your Complaints

The 15 Best Islands in the World

  Meet the locals

Sun & Beach

This entire island gifted by shining blue water. Therefore, Sri Lanka is most popular for beaches among tourists.   Read More

In Sri Lanka, you can discover rich and enormous cultural heritage.  Read More

Adventure & Sports

In Sri Lanka, you can get experience in water base, air base, earth base and many kinds of activities.  Read More

•  Pilgrimage
•  Ayurveda
•  Nature Trails
•  Meetings & Conferences
•  Things to See
•  Eco Tourism
•  Shopping
•  Night Life
•  Buy Gemstone
•  Spa & Wellness Centers
•  Discover The Past
•  Dining
•  Tourist Shops
•  Spice Gardens
•  Tourist Friendly Eating Places

Events & Festivals

You can participate to Sri Lanka's cultural festivals and events, and it gives you to chance experience in unique cultural rituals. Read More

within this you can easily find out proper tour itineraries to explore the Sri Lanka. Read More

Mirissa Whale Watching

Blue whales are the biggest animal live on the earth and Mirissa is the one of most suitable spot to watch blue whales and other whales too.  Read More

Yala National Park

This is the second largest national park in Sri Lanka.Yala is home to Asian elephants, leopards and variety of beautiful endemic birds.  Read More

sigiriya popular as eighth wonder of the world among the tourists and it was the one of Asia's oldest landscaped garden.  Read More

•  Gall Fort
•  Hikkaduwa Beach
•  Dambulla Cave Temple
•  Wild Safaris
•  Colombo City Tour
•  See All Attractions

Colombo is the commercial and financial capital of the Sri Lanka. This city filled with luxurious hotels,restaurants and many variety of attractions.   Read More

Sri Lanka have divergent nine provincials.Select what you most prefer provincial in here and travel like your own way.   Read More

Southern Corridor

Many of gorgeous beaches are located in southern province of Sri Lanka and not at all, this city is home to ancient British and Dutch architectural buildings and many of ancient religious sites.  Read More

•  Northwest Province
•  Sabaragamuwa Province

Explore Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is the treasure of island for all tourists. You can discover variety of natural, cultural and historical heritages within few hours.  Read More

Sri Lanka at a Glance

As a pearl of the Indian ocean Sri Lanka have unique cultural, geological features. Those things will help you to find out new experience to your life.  Read More

Weather in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has different weather conditions. Center of the country weather are balmy and other sides being hot. You can feel this different in a one day.  Read More

Public Holidays in Sri Lanka

Full moon Poya days and other religious festivals make the majority of the holidays in Sri Lanka. This will help you to plan a wonderful journey.  Read More

•  Marvels of Sri Lanka
•  International Endorsements
•  Tourist Map of Sri Lanka
•  Currency & converter
•  Sri Lankan Embassies
•  Foreign Embassies
•  Emergency Services
•  Tourism News

Apply for a Visa

General tips and tricks

•  Visa Requirements
•  Visa Services
•  Travel Tips
•  Tour Guides
•  Travel Agents
•  Authorized Tourist Drivers
•  Authorized Tuk Tuk Drivers
•  Transport
•  Travel Magazines and Directories
•  Travel Apps
•  For Business Travellers

Book Your Flights

Book Your Accommodation

You'll be spoilt for choice with the array of Sri Lankan accommodation options. We have star class hotels, home stays, heritage bungalows, boutique hotels to guest houses and rented apartments.  Read More

Book Your Trip

•  Submit Your Travel Inquiry
•  Online Services
•  Buy E-Tickets for Attractions
•  Hotels & Other Accommodation
•  Newly Registered Hotels & Other Accommodation
•  National Holiday Resorts (Also Known as "Tourist Board Guest Houses")

Hello Again Sri Lanka

Mega Travel Influencer ‘Nas Daily’ join-hands to promote Tourism in Sri Lanka

• Sri Lanka celebrates its milestone surpassing 100,000 Russian arrivals through direct flights
• The 67th Conference of TAAI commenced at the BMICH in Colombo
• Sri Lanka Tourism promotes its Travel and Tourism Potential in three Australian cities
• All set for the TAAI Convention hosted by Sri Lanka Tourism held from 6th - 9th July
• Sri Lanka Tourism hosts a gala Sri Lankan themed dinner for New Zealand and Sri Lankan Women’s Cricket teams
• Sri Lanka Tourism bounce back with a positive influx of tourist arrivals
• New Zealand Women’s cricket team receive a warm welcome from Sri Lanka Tourism on their first Sri Lanka tour in 11 yea
• SLCB Unveils MICE Training Programme for Regional Hoteliers in Kandy & Nuwara Eliya Regions
• 'Air Seychelles' makes its Inaugural flight to Sri Lanka, with Familiarization Tours in line
• SLTPB and SLAITO partners to host the 67th Convention of TAAI in Colombo
• UK Bloggers & Influencers FAM Tour in Sri Lanka Showcases Island's Captivating Beauty and Diverse Socio-Cultural Facets
• Sri Lanka Tourism Taps Middle Eastern Region at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) – 2023
• Sri Lanka Tourism makes waves at the Guangzhou International Travel Fair (GITF 2023)
• “Cordelia Empress’’ makes her maiden call on Hambantota Port
• Vietnamese Media Personnel impressed with Sri Lankan attractions
• "Seeing is Believing” campaign is launched by Aitken Spence, Jetwing, Cinnamon in collaboration with Sri Lanka Tourism
• The Queen of Polish Pop “DODA” visits Sri Lanka to promote the destination among the Polish Travelers
• Spanish Travel influencers conclude familiarization trip on a successful note
• An Island’s Eleven – A complete history of Sri Lanka Cricket
• Korean Media Personnel Highlights Sri Lanka as a must visit Tourist destination
• Foreign couple enter wedlock going by the Sri Lankan tradition
• Forbes lists Sri Lanka as one of the 23 best places to visit in 2023
• Sri Lanka Tourism hosts a FAM tour for Filipino Tour operators in order to enhance Bilateral and Business connections
• Australian Travel Agents Experience Sri Lanka’s uniqueness on FAM Tour
• Journalists and bloggers across the globe join hands together to promote Sri Lanka
• Sri Lanka participation at Outbound Travel Market (OTM) Jio World Convention Centre | Mumbai 02 - 04 February, 2023
• Sri Lanka becomes Cynosure at MITT Travel Show in Russia 16th to 18th March 2023
• All set for the world’s largest all female Adventure Challenge,’’ RAID AMAZONES 2023’’
• Sri Lanka welcomes the first group of Chinese tourists for 2023 with open arms
• Sri Lanka Targets German Travelers at ITB in Berlin
• Sri Lanka participates at the Milano BIT 2023, International Tourism Exchange 12 – 14 Feb 2023
• Indian Social Media influencers conclude their all island bike tour on a positive note
• Veteran Indian Movie star promotes Sri Lanka across the world
• Sri Lanka Tourism returns to Spanish Market after pandemic
• Italian Media personnel mesmerized with Sri Lanka’s cultural diversity
• ‘’ Race the Pearl ‘’ concludes with the French –British domination
• Sri Lanka Tourism collaborates with Air Arabia to host a group of Travel Agents from Azerbaijan
• Sri Lanka Targets Travellers at World Travel Market (WTM) in London
• Sri Lanka Tourism focuses on the Egyptian Market, by hosting an Industrial FAM Tour For Egyptian Travel Agents
• Sri Lanka has taken the limelight in Bollywood & Sandalwood Cinemas with Yohani
• Sri Lanka Tourism embarks on a series of Road Shows in India
• Culture, Cuisine, dance and destination featured at Sri Lanka Cultural Festival Stockholm
• Developing cultural and historical ties between India and Sri Lanka through the “Murugan Trail”
• Indian Media and Travel influencers have taken the lead to support Sri Lanka Tourism
• Sri Lanka Masters Hockey Men teams to take part in 2022 World Cup in England
• A delegation of students from the University of Lincoln arrives on a Study Tour to Sri Lanka
• Sri Lanka participates at South Asia’s Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE) 2022 at India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, Del
• LEASING OF UCHCHAMUNAI ISLAND IN KALPITIYA
• Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau welcomes Israeli Film Crew
• Singapore Airlines signs MOU with Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau
• Promoting Sri Lanka and its many diverse facets to the World
• Media personnel from Korea conclude their FAM Tour in Sri Lanka
• The 2nd stage of Raid Amazones 2022 concludes with Adventure, Energy and Enthusiasm
• The Second stage of Raid Amazones 2022 (Video Highlights )
• The 2nd edition of Raid Amazones kicks off in style with another 214 participants ready to face the challenge
• Sri Lanka Tourism’s Influencer Program continues to create global buzz by making the island a ‘Bucket List Holiday D
• Swedish Tourism Industry specialists and Tour Operators to enhance partnerships to elevate Tourism to Sri Lanka
• The first stage of Raid Amazones 2022 concludes on a Successful Note
• The first stage of Raid Amazones 2022 concludes on a Successful Note ( Video Highlights )
• Raid Amazones 2022 Continue for the 4th Successive Day - Highlights (Images/videos)
• Raid Amazones 2022 -3rd and 4th day's highlights
• Raid Amazones, the largest tourism program in the country after the Covid -19 pandemic - Day 02
• Vietnamese Tour operators arrive in Sri Lanka for a Media and Trade FAM
• RAID AMAZONES arrival and the welcome at Sigiriya
• Raid Amazones, the largest tourism program in the country after the Covid -19 pandemic begins
• Participants and officials of ‘’Raid Amazones ‘’ arrive in the island to take part in the world’s largest ‘
• Sri Lanka to be promoted all across Poland as a paradise destination
• Sri Lanka Tourism continues to earn high media coverage at EXPO 2020 Dubai
• Sri Lanka to boost awareness among Bangladesh tourists
• TVN Discovery/National Geographic Traveler FAM Tour
• The Joint Press Release by Sri Lanka Embassy in Germany, German Travel Association- DRV and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion
• Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid of the UAE and H.E. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Visit Sri Lanka Pavilion at Expo 2020 Duba
• Sri Lanka Tourism and Health Guidelines
• Press Release: Santani becomes the first Sri Lankan hotel to be selected as “worlds best” – hailed as Best Wellnes
• Sri Lanka Tourism Facilitates the country’s first Cable Car Project to take off soon.
• Regarding the photo of ‘Pattipola Tourist Comfort Centre’ that is being widely circulated across social media.
• The Sri Lanka Virtual MICE Expo 2021 breaks new ground
• Brand Sri Lanka reports robust health as per latest brand report
• Sri Lanka Tourism kick-start an aggressive media and travel influencer campaign for Russia and Ukraine markets
• EXPO 2020 DUBAI Tourism earns high media mileage
• Sri Lanka Tourism commands attention at World Routes 2021
• Sri Lanka Tourism and Australia’s MDF webinar to Share Insights from 10,000 Consumers from 10 Key Markets to Strategic
• Sri Lanka Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai Welcomes Queens Baton Relay
• Sri Lanka Tourism supported by EU to develop wellness tourism
• Brides of Sri Lanka magazine together with Galle Face Hotel hosts ‘Wedding Week 2022’
• Sri Lanka Tourism welcomes the Trade Fam Tour from Russia & Ukraine
• Sri Lanka Tourism hosts Miss International UK
• Sri Lanka, the next holiday destination for Australian tourists promoted in Melbourne
• Destination Sri Lanka presented at TNM - Sweden’s premier Tourism event
• Sri Lanka is now open for International Travellers
• Sri Lanka spreads its holiday vibes at WTM, as vibrant and a unique travel destination
• DEEPAWALI, TURNING A NEW CHAPTER FOR INDO-LANKA CULTURAL & TOURISM RELATIONS
• Sri Lanka poised to see upsurge of Polish tourists
• Sri Lanka opens its doors to international travellers to experience travel and adventure
• Sri Lanka plans Virtual MICE Expo to sustain buzz on the destination in the global business community
• Sri Lanka Tourism kicks off film tourism promotions within Indian Cinema to attract more Indian tourists to the island
• Sri Lanka Pavilion shines through
• Sri Lanka Voted among ‘The Best Countries to Travel to’ in Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards
• Social media rant investigated
• Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau conducts an awareness session via zoom for Outbound travel agents and tourism stake
• Sri Lanka celebrates the World Children’s Day in Austria
• Sri Lanka Tourism Strategically Promoted in France
• Sri Lanka pavilion inaugurated at Expo 2020 Dubai
• Sharing the future tourism prospects in Sri Lanka with Vietnamese Travel Agents
• Sri Lanka Tourism Achieves Growth through Strategic Partnerships with Foreign Missions
• Sri Lanka Tourism commemorates World Tourism Day 2021
• Travel Talk Article - 2nd September 2021
• Popular Couch Safari Back with Wilpattu National Park
• Discover the Wonders of Wilpattu National Park Sri Lanka via Wildlife Streaming
• Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, in collaboration with the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai, conducts a Webin
• Recognising the vital role of SMEs in Sri Lanka’s Tourism Sector
• The Kandy Esala Perahera Live-Streamed Globally
• SRI LANKA PAVILLION TAKES SHAPE FOR EXPO 2020 DUBAI
• Sri Lanka Tourism Lures Digital Nomads
• Initiative to vaccinate those who are involved in the Tourism industry in order to rejuvenate Tourism
• Sri Lanka Tourism enables sustainable development
• Bloomberg Lists Sigiriya as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World
• Sri Lanka Tourism Harnesses Technology to Enhance the Traveler Experience
• Keep the Sri Lankan Holiday Dream Alive
• The Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM) signs MoU with Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne
• Digital Transformation of the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management
• Experiences Reshaping Tourism
• CNN Shines Global Spotlight on Sri Lanka Tourism
• Sri Lanka Tourism Hosts a Virtual Media Conference with German and Swiss Media
• Global Tourism Industry News
• Sri Lanka Tourism gears up for the turn over a new page in tourism – with a webinar for UK based Tour Operators and Me
• Sri Lanka Tourism ‘s International Travel Blogger & Journalist Program to support SME’s
• SRI LANKAN TOURISMS’ BIO BUBBLE RECOGNIZED AT ITB BERLIN
• Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority approves Bolagala Floating Agro Tourism Resort in Katana – a novel Agro Touris
• Sri Lanka Convention Bureau launches “Meet in Sri Lanka” series to resume MICE Tourism.
• MICE Tourism Media Release
• Sri Lanka Tourism to launch ‘Global Communication Campaign’
• Covid-19 Vaccination for the Tourism industry
• CNN hails steps taken to reopen tourism in Sri Lanka
• ‘Hello Again’ virtual tourism awareness session held for US based tour operators and media
• German travellers visiting Sri Lanka with the opening of the Airport for international Tourists
• AS SRI LANKA OPENS FOR TOURISM A GERMAN DELEGATION VISITS SRI LANKA ON AYURVA TOURISM
• SRI LANKA TOURISM GEARS UP TO WELCOME INTERNATIONAL VISITORS
• The second BIMSTEC Network of Tour Operators meeting concludes with new initiatives for developing regional tourism
• CHINESE INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL MART OPEN FOR VIRTUAL TRAVEL BUSINESS SLTPB Registered Businesses to have extended 6 month
• PATA PROVIDES GLOBAL. EXPERT MENTORING FOR SRI LANKA TOURISM TO REDESIGN REVIVAL STRATEGY POST COVID-19
• The World Travel Market - UK (WTM) Virtual Event held 9th – 11th November 2020/ Sri Lanka Tourism aims at upsurge in
• Sri Lanka Tourism's Wildlife Streaming event “Couch Safari' - A resounding success
• Sri Lanka Tourism goes global on Nile TV to woo the Mediterranean traveler
• “Go on Safari on the couch " –Wild Life streaming in Sri Lanka National Parks draws attraction from the Turkish trav
• SRI LANKA TOURISM ENGAGES AUSTRALIA’S KEY STAKEHOLDERS on Destination Readiness and Innovation in a New Era
• Couch Safari – Sri Lanka Tourism’s virtual adventure gains popularity among international travellers
• Couch Safari - Taking Srilanka wild life to the world
• ‘Go on a couch safari’ concept to be promoted by Sri Lanka Tourism
• ENGAGING KEY SOURCE COUNTRY TOURISM STAKEHOLDERS VIA WEBINARS SLTPB teams up foreign missions to upsurge Post COVID Tou
• Sri Lanka Tourism attends Virtual ‘ANTOR Meets the Media’
• Sri Lanka Tourism collaborates with International Travel Influencers to keep alive ‘Sri Lankan Holiday’ dream
• Sri Lanka shows it’s potential at the “Flavours of Sri Lanka” Destination Promotion Event
• Sri Lanka celebrates the World Children’s Day in style at Vienna, Austria
• Sri Lanka Tourism reaches out to Sri Lankan Missions Overseas;H.E. Dr. Palitha Kohona, newly appointed Ambassador to Chi
• Adapting to new normal, Sri Lanka Tourism goes virtual to promote ‘Wildlife’
• Sri Lanka Tourism is set to celebrate World Tourism Day 2020 under the theme “Tourism and Rural Development” from 25
• CNBC to promote Sri Lanka Tourism in Goodwill gesture
• SLTDA creates provisional licensing to assist SMEs.
• Sri Lanka Tourism to support SME’s and product development with EU funding
• Sri Lanka Tourism lobbies for inclusion in travel corridors
• BBC collaborates with Sri Lanka Tourism to revive the Tourism Sector
• Tourism Ministry and SLTDA step in to provide relief to the Tourism industry stakeholders
• Sri Lanka Tourism is all set to host UNWTO’s 32nd Asia and the Pacific Virtual Joint Commission Meeting tomorrow.
• Sri Lanka Tourism Post COVID-19 - Way Forward
• 11,389 tourists in Sri Lanka currently and Sri Lanka Tourism requests them to register with the recently launched “Tou
• Relief Measures for Tourist Guides during the COVID -19 outbreak
• Arrangements are in place for international tourists to get to their home countries – Sri Lanka to allow charter fligh
• Sri Lanka to host top UN World Tourism Organization Conference in Colombo.
• SLTDA and BOI sign MoU to enhance cooperation between the two agencies.
• Press Release: Sri Lanka Tourism and Police in discussion to enhance the safety and security of tourists.
• Sri Lanka Tourism kicked off aggressive travel blogger & influencer campaign for 2020 by inviting 27 International Trave
• Spanish travelers enthralled by Sri Lanka at FITUR International Travel Fair 2020 Madrid, Spain
• Sri Lanka shows its colors at FESPO Travel Fair, Zurich, Switzerland
• Indian visitors embrace Sri Lanka’s Tourism attractions with enthusiasm at the Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) 2020, in Mum
• Sri Lanka shows its capability at the Wanderlust Travel Reader Awards 2020
• Sri Lanka becomes the centre of attraction at the Vakantiebeurs Travel Fair 2020
• Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau shows it’s potential at CMT 2020, Germany
• A high profile delegation from Holland arrives in Sri Lanka for a familiarization visit
• Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau collaborates with ITV UK for destination promotion
• Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau makes a successful contribution at SATTE 2020
• Sri Lanka targets more Western European tourist arrivals at the ILTM, Cannes 2019
• Sri Lanka named as Asia’s best destination for Wildlife tourism at Top Asia Corporate ball 2019, and selected for the
• Sri Lanka Tourism shares the spirit of Christmas with local & foreign tourists
• Sri Lanka appreciated as “The Destination for the Rising Chinese travellers’’ in Chengdu Sichuan.
• Sri Lanka kicks off Tourism Promotional Evening and Cultural night in Dubai parallel to the Dubai Rugby sevens.
• WTM London unveils Sri Lanka as premier partner for 2019
• Sri Lanka participates in the fourth travel Expo Exhibition in Ankara, Turkey
• Sri Lanka highlights its Tourism Potential at the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) 2019, Shanghai, China
• Sri Lanka showcases it’s potential at the China International Travel Mart (CITM 2019), Shanghai, China
• Japanese Tour Operators/ Agents participate in a FAM Tour to promote Sri Lanka as a travel destination
• Vistara , India’s finest full service carrier inaugurates Mumbai – Colombo service
• Sri Lanka Promoted As A Travel Destination In Belgium
• Digital Billboard Campaign to promote SL Tourism in Netherlands for the first time
• Sri Lanka Tourism holds ‘’Taste of Abu Dhabi ‘’ in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Embassy in the U.A.E
• Sri Lanka Participates at Travel News Market 2019- Stockholm
• “Feel & Share So Sri Lanka” - international Travel Media & Blogger Promotional Program geared-up by Sri Lanka Touri
• Newly renovated Tourist Information Centre opens in Kandy
• Sri Lanka bags two awards at the World Travel Awards 2019
• Sri Lanka Participates at ITB ASIA 2019 in Singapore
• Sri Lanka makes a hall mark at the Swiss International Holiday Exhibition in Lugano, Switzerland
• Sri Lanka Tourism partners with several International Organizations at IMM Asia 2019
• Sri Lanka promotes tourism at the International Tourism and Travel Show in Montreal
• International Travel Influencers step-up to Give back to the nature in Sri Lanka
• Popular Travel blog ‘’My Adventure across the world ‘’ takes Sri Lanka to the centre stage
• LOT Polish Airlines makes its inaugural flight to Sri Lanka
• Costa Victoria makes her debut call at the port of Colombo
• Sri Lanka dazzles as Premier Partner at World Travel Market
• Sri Lanka Tourism Celebrates the Big Win by Santani at the World Travel Market UK
• A high profile delegation from Belgium arrives in Sri Lanka for a familiarization visit
• Sri Lanka shows its prestige at JATA Tourism Expo 2019
• Sri lanka promotes tourism at the international book fair in frankfurt
• The German Travel Association extends its support to Sri Lanka Tourism
• Italian Celebrity Chef to support Sri Lanka Tourism
• Sri Lanka strikes a promising high at Travel Fair in Italy
• Australian Travel Agents impressed with Sri Lanka Tourism
• Recognizing Jaffna: A Culinary Adventure by Popular YouTubers - Chopstick Travel
• Sri Lankan Holidays launch in Dubai
• Sri Lanka showcases sustainable tourism at MATTA Trade Fair 2019
• Sri Lanka shows its potential at the OTDYKH Leisure & Tourism fair
• Sri Lanka Tourism gains momentum at IFTM TOP RESA Travel Fair 2019 in Paris, France
• So Sri Lanka Pro 2019 kick starts on a triumphant note
• Sri Lanka Tourism Celebrates World Tourism Day with Foreign Guests at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)
• Tourism Promotions Bureau Starts Global TV advertising to boost tourism to Sri Lanka
• So Sri Lanka Pro 2019
• Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau welcomes a delegation of high profile Indian journalists to Sri Lanka
• Sri Lanka Tourism gears up for the So Sri Lanka Pro 2019
• Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau hosted the Board of Directors meeting of United Federations of Travel Agents Associat
• Ministers Initiative in Thailand pays Dividends
• Tourism Industry commends the lifting of the state emergency
• Visa Fee Exempted to 48 countries in order to bring more tourists to the country
• Sri Lanka gears up for the Global Bohra Convention 2019
• Australian Tour Operators Chairman meets the Tourism Minister
• International Culinary YouTubers Explore Colombo Cuisine
• Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau hosts networking session for travel bloggers
• Sri Lanka shines at the Shopping Mall Promotion in Malaysia
• Chinese journalists on FAM tour
• The West Asia Baseball Cup 2019
• Capitalizing on increased interest by Aussie tourists
• Thai expertise to expedite tourism recovery
• Sri Lanka launches major tourism drive in China
• Chinese delegation calls on SLTPB for a visit to extend support to boost Tourism
• Sri Lanka bags the award for the best performance at SITIF 2019
• Sri Lanka Tourism shines in Vistula Boulevards in Warsaw, Poland
• Sri Lanka showcases its best at the Carnival of Cultures
• Sri Lanka Tourism launches special promotional campaign in India
• Sri Lanka Tourism; The Steady Road to Recovery
• Career tourism professional has been appointed as the Managing Director of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau
• Thai Buddhist group, a beacon of blessings and hope
• Social Media influencers and journalists show renewed interest in Sri Lanka
• “Let us unite and work against global terrorism” - Sri Lanka Tourism addresses global media at ATM, Dubai
• Sri Lanka Tourism begins destination brand recovery process
• Sri Lanka tourism industry defiant after deadly attacks UAE welcomes Sri Lanka with open arms Sri Lanka sets its sight o
• The visa on arrival programme on hold in response to security concerns
• A statement from the International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA) CEO Senthil Gopinath on the recent events in
• Creating awareness on Sri Lanka about the current situation (Q & A)
• Statement from Sri Lanka Tourism (SLTDA and SLTPB)
• Sri Lanka captures the hearts of Italians with eye catching promotions at BIT Travel Fair
• About the Conference of the Parties (CoP) of CITES
• Sri Lanka tantalises taste-buds at Taste of Dubai
• Over 3000 tourists arrive onboard two cruise ships to Sri Lanka
• First Ever Tourism Campaign in South Africa
• “So Sri Lanka” branding promoted at IMM - Berlin
• Sri Lanka Tourism unveils new documentary at ITB
• ‘So Sri Lanka’ takes global media by storm
• Marketing Drive by Sri Lanka Tourism at Thai International Travel Fair 2019
• Sri Lanka dazzles in the heart of Bollywood Once again
• Global Instagram Titans join hands with Sri Lanka Tourism to get inspired by their global 22 million travel seeking foll
• Spanish travelers enthralled by So Sri Lanka experience at FITUR Travel Fair, Spain 2019
• MS Queen Mary passenger cruise arrival 2019
• “So Sri Lanka” won the Best Decorated International Pavilion at the 26th PTAA Travel and Tour Expo 2019 – Manila,
• Sri Lanka to take sports Tourism towards a new dimension
• OTOAI to host annual convention in Sri Lanka
• Sri Lanka, a must travel destination
• Sri Lanka shows its prestige at the CMT Germany
• Sri Lanka makes a successful participation at SATTE 2019
• Sri Lanka takes the Centre stage at Vakantiebeurs
• Three cruise liners ferry in over 7000 tourists to Sri Lanka
• Sri Lanka reach new heights in world luxury travel trade at ILTM Travel Fair, Cannes, France 2018
• Sri Lanka steals the spotlight at historical city of Izmir
• Sri Lanka at Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens
• CEAV congress ends on successful note
• Sri Lanka shines at TT Warsaw
• British film location managers scout for scenic spots
• Situation Update
• Lonely Planet’s best travel destinations for 2019 revealed
• Sri Lanka attracts charter flights from Europe
• Sri Lanka Tourism Welcomes Barmy Army
• Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, launches Sri Lanka’s new destination brand “So Sri Lanka”
• Legendary Vagabrothers geared up to take Sri Lanka to the world
• Sri Lanka shines at JATA Tourism Expo 2018 in Japan
• Enchanting Lanka Presented to French Media at Cercle de l'Union Interalliee Paris France
• Sri Lanka Tourism gains momentum at 40th Anniversary Edition of IFTM TOP RESA Travel Fair 2018 in Paris France
• Film Fare selects Sri Lanka to do the cover shoot of its November issue
• Sri Lanka Strengthens ties with the Russian Counterparts
• Sri Lanka Tourism makes inroads into Scandinavia
• Sri Lanka recognized as Asia’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination
• Roadshow Germany 2018
• Leisure and golf, a new tourism trend
• SLTPB scales up tourist arrivals with roadshows
• Discovering Sri Lanka’s lesser known attractions through the eyes of social media influencers
• Sri Lanka beckons Indian travellers to its Ramayana Yathra
• Sri Lanka Tourism bags the best performance award at KOFTA 2018
• Sri Lanka Tourism woos tourists from India
• Sri Lanka Tourism carrying out multi-platform global campaigns
• The Tourism Village at Kajugama - Bataleeya
• Minister assures safety of tourists; tough action against errant establishments
• Sri Lanka Tourism impacts French consumers at Salon Mondial Du Tourism (SMT) Travel Fair, Paris, France 2018
• Sri Lanka successfully participates for the first time at DTM 2018
• Underwater with Sri Lanka's sperm whales – in pictures
• Sri Lanka strengthens its industrial ties with Singapore at NATA’s Travel Fair 2018
• Russian visitors impressed with Sri Lanka’s diversity
• Sri Lanka to be the next uprising Paradise for Travel Influencers from around the Globe SLTPB Visiting Blogger Program g
• Sri Lanka Tourism targets top source markets from Western Europe
• Another feather added to Sri Lanka’s cap by the National Geographic
• Update on current situation in Sri Lanka -Kandy returns to normalcy
• SLTPB Visiting Blogger Program geared up for aggressive social media promotion in 2018 with World’s Top Travel influen
• Sri Lanka successfully participates at the Jeddah International Travel & Tourism Exhibition (JTTX-8) 2018 & Road Show in
• Sri Lanka Tourism rolls out effective media campaign at ITB 2018
• ITB is an excellent setting for B2B meetings
• Sri Lanka Tourism aggressive on media & publicity @ ITB 2018
• Sri Lanka Shines at ITB Despite Kandy Blip
• SRI LANKA PARTICIPATION at ASTINDO 2018
• Destinations - The Holiday and Travel Show– Event City Exhibition Centre 17th to 21st January 2018- Manchester
• Holiday World Show 2018 in Dublin Ireland
• Sri Lanka Tourism shines in the Mediterranean at the IMTM Travel Fair 2018
• Sri Lankan Consulate General in Dubai celebrates 70th Anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence and 25th year Anniversar
• Sri Lanka targets approximately 450,000, Indian arrivals for the year 2018
• Sri Lanka Tourism sees Mumbai as a market for high growth
• New dimension to promote Sri Lanka as a destination
• Costa Neo Classica makes her first arrival on the dawn of 2018
• Sri Lanka recognised a preferred Film Destination for British Filmmakers
• Best countries and cities to visit in 2018: The 18 places you should visit this year
• Sri Lanka Tourism taps high-end Luxury French Travelers Participates at -ILTM Travel Fair in Cannes, France 2017
• Open Air Art Gallery
• Iconic City Tour adds zest to Christmas Fest
• Sri Lanka’s participation at the Winter Festival draws attention as an excellent family destination
• Sri Lanka has been named as the most popular destination on Eurasia review
• MS. Costa Neo Classica makes her second portof call to Sri Lanka
• Sri Lanka Tourism concludes successful roadshows and food & cultural Event in Australia
• Sri Lanka Tourism wins top award at E-Swabhimani Ceremony
• TourismFest to Dazzle Colombo
• Sri Lanka gets another feather in it’s cap as one of Asia’s most sought after travel destinations
• “MS COSTA NEO CLASSICA” makes het debut arrival to Colombo Port on 5th December 2017
• Sri Lanka Tourism creates a global impact at the Family Traveller Awards
• Travel Bloggers make Sri Lanka go viral on Social Media
• The Family Traveller Awards 2017 reveals family-centric travel is booming
• Sri Lanka Tourism strike an all-time high at IFTM TOP RESA 2017 Paris, France
• “Ms MEIN SCHIFF 01” makes her debut arrival to Colombo Port on 13th November 2017
• Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, title sponsor of the prestigious, annual British Guild of Travel Writers Awards, Lon
• Sri Lanka Targets Leading Middle Eastern Tour Operators
• Colombo to have its first international shopping experience with the Colombo International Shopping Festival
• World Tourism day – 2017
• Commemoration of National Coastal and Marine Resources Convocation Week 2017 (15th – 22nd Sep 2017)
• Sri Lanka captures the attention of Gujaratis
• Sri Lanka’s Uniqueness attracts the Germans
• Sri Lanka taps leading Malaysian Tour operators
• Roadshow in Germany held on 12 September 2017 in Cologne.
• Sri Lanka voted finalist for culture and Heritage Holiday Destination for UK Travel Awards
• Developing connections through Culture and Heritage
• Why Sri Lanka is the ultimate destination
• Dengue Epidemic in Sri Lanka is successfully brought under control
• Sri Lanka poised as the next island paradise for International bloggers
• Travel and Tourism Fair (TTF) Kolkata inaugurated
• Sri Lanka crowned as "Asia’s Leading Destination" at World Travel Awards -2017
• Drowning prevention in Sri Lanka
• Sri Lanka Tourism shows its compassion towards elephants via training session at Pinnawala
• Sri Lankan Culinary Delights Applauded by Israeli Holiday Makers
• Sri Lanka named Asia’s Leading Destination 2017
• Sri Lanka Tourism shows prestige at the ATM
• PATA all set to kick off with their annual summit in Sri Lanka with a bang
• Singapore To Share Digital Tourism Destination Marketing And Promotion Experience With The Democratic Socialist Republic
• German Travel Association contemplates to host next AGM in Sri Lanka
• Sri Lanka shows its colors at ITB Berlin 2017
• “A Journal of a Journey” at ITB 2017
• Sri Lanka Tourism bags Most Popular Destination Award at GTIF 2017
• Sri Lanka captures Bollywood – Sri Lanka to become a favourite location for Indian films
• Strengthening cultural and religious ties
• Sri Lanka Tourism all set to be profoundly aggressive at ITB Berlin 2017
• Sri Lanka goes around the world with "Eclectic Presse"
• Sri Lanka Tourism Conducts Roadshow in Mumbai
• Sri Lanka shines at SATTE Exhibition in New Delhi
• Two graceful beauties take Sri Lanka to greater heights
• Why is Sri Lanka becoming the most fashionable place to travel
• Sri Lankans in New York - Sri Lanka shows its colors in New York
• Sri Lanka wows the Mediterranean again at the Jeddah International Travel and Tourism Exhibition
• Sri Lanka Tourism conquers the Mediterranean at the IMTM Travel Fair 2017
• Australia lowers travel advisory for Sri Lanka
• Sri Lanka Consulate General in Dubai celebrates 69th Anniversary of the Independence Day of Sri Lanka in grand style
• United Nations Day of Vesak Celebration 2017
• Sri Lanka woos Middle East market at IMTM
• Sri Lanka - An Island for all Seasons for the wider Latin American Market FITUR, Madrid 2017
• Top tourism professional to promote Sri Lanka in Europe
• Sri Lanka Tourism creates a hallmark at the Vakantiebeurs 2017
• German TV crew set to take the Sri Lankan pride to the world
• 55th visit to Sri Lanka – An amazing land mark to achieve
• The hottest hotels opening in 2017: From Iceland to India
• Readers' Choice
• Where to Go in 2017
• The 10 Hottest Travel Destinations of 2017
• Tourism Fest concludes becoming a major crowd puller
• PM kicks off Christmas cheer
• Sri Lankan spirit showcased in Malaysia
• Sri Lanka Tourism kicks off an underground campaign in UK Train Stations
• TT WARSAW – International Travel Show 24 – 26 Nov., 2016 – Warsaw, Poland
• Business Today interview with Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Mr.Paddy Withana
• Tourism Fest To Dazzle Colombo
• Sri Lanka wins ‘’ Best Destination of the Beaten Track ‘’ at the Conde Nast Traveler Middle East Readers ‘Choi
• Sri Lanka Tourism brings all smiles to a rural school in Habarana
• Road Shows in Poland, Czech Republic and Hungary on 14th, 16th and 19th Sept., 2016
• TTG Incontri Travel Fair A 3 day workshop for Tourism Professionals Rimini, Italy - 13th – 15th Oct., 2016
• Sri Lanka shines in UK in WTM
• Mr. Sutheash Balasubramaniam appointed as new Managing Director of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB)
• WTM 2016 : Elite Traveler Recommends the Best of Sri Lanka
• Sri Lanka Tourism has been added to the Worldwide Destination Guide
• Ukraine International Airlines Launches Services To Colombo
• Congres des Entrepreneurs du Voyage (JEV) bringing Two nations together
• Oman Travel Agents get a glimpse of Sri Lankan prestige
• SriLanka Tourism Chairman top priorities are its people, environment, wildlife, culture
• Sri Lanka to host French Travel agents’ JEV Congress 2016
• Inaugural Concert of Sri Lankan Cultural Dancing Shows
• Sri Lanka Nation Brand records 9% growth in 2016
• Sri Lanka wows the Sakura Land at the JATA Tourism Expo at Tokyo Big Sight
• Sri Lanka featured as a world tourism hotspot at IFTM Top Resa Travel Fair in Paris, France -2016
• Sri Lanka to shows prestige in crafts work in India
• German Tour operators experience the Sri Lankan splendor on Familiarization Tours
• Sri Lanka Tourism shows local prestige at the OTDYKH Travel Market
• The Sri Lankan flag flies high in Eastern Europe Road Shows in Poland, Czech Republic and Hungary
• Sri Lanka makes inroads in Nordic countries
• Sri Lanka Tourism all set to participate in UK trade road show
• Familiarization Tour for Key Tour Operators from Germany
• Strengthening friendships between neighbors to boost the tourism sector
• Sri Lanka adds color to Kualalumpur at MATTA 2016
• Travel bloggers embark on a journey to discover food and adventure in Sri Lanka
• SLTPB kick-starts Nordic roadshow with success
• Familiarization Tour of Sri Lanka by Thai Travel Agents
• Capturing the special moments of the train ride arranged for UNWTO delegates
• International travel writers, bloggers and electronic media to cover Kandy Perehera
• 35 Photos that will make you want to travel Sri Lanka
• Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau organized its first Road Show in Singapore
• Legendary Ramayana epic will be expected to uplift Indian tourists’ arrival during the period of upcoming Dewali
• Nuwara Eliya To Host World's Oldest Golf Tournament
• FAM Tour organized by SLTPB in collaboration with Air India for local press
• Sri Lanka Tourism won a couple of awards at the 31st Korea World Travel Fair(KOTFA 2016)-South Korea.
• Conde Nast Traveler named Sigiriya as one The 50 Most Beautiful Places in Asia
• The hottest hotels in Asia and Australia
• Seoul Grand Park held the event 'Culture Day with elephants.'
• The Road Show of Sri Lanka Tourism.
• Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau focused to promote Buddhist tourism in Thailand
• SL Tourism at Beijing International Tourism Expo (BITE - 2016)
• Sri Lanka Tourism has geared up its Visiting Journalist Program to promote Destination Sri Lanka in uprising markets
• Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion during the Pearl Fishers Opera at the Art Centre in Melbourne on 28th May 2016
• Sri lanka Roadshows toast success in Sydney
• Tea Kiosk at the Bandaranaike International Airport to celebrate Golden Jubilee of Sri Lanka Tourism.
• Asian & Oceanian Championship 2016 starts in Trincomalee
• Sri Lanka Tourism celebrates its Golden Jubilee on 27th May 2016 in Colombo
• Department of Economics, University of Colombo wins Best IFITTtalk 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism launches its Road show promotions from Melbourne
• Sri Lanka Tourism takes on Brisbane, Australia
• Sri Lanka Tourism promotes the island as an ideal film destination at Cannes Film Festival
• Sri Lanka Tourism arrives its 50th year
• Visit of Mr. Suniel Shetty
• Buddha Rashmi National Vesak Festival 2016
• ATM 2016 – SRI LANKA targets high end tourists from Middle East
• Sri Lanka Tourism at ATM
• A unique tea garden to create a value added experience to the tourists during nuwara eliya season
• Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Mobile Service Goes Online
• Traditional Avurudu experience at Tourist Information Centre (TIC) in Colombo
• Sri Lanka at Seatrade Cruise Global 2016, Fort Lauderdale, USA
• COLOMBO SAESM 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism creates waves in the Russia’s No.1 Travel and Tourism Exhibition - MITT in Moscow
• Tourism Road Show events to promote Sri Lanka to industry stakeholders of the Benelux region
• Sri Lanka has released an aggressive island promotion campaign at the beginning of 2016 to attract more French Tourists
• Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion during the Pearl Fishers Opera at the Opera House in Sydney
• Tourist Information Counter on board “MS Amsterdam”
• ITB Spark!!! - Sri Lanka Tourism shines at ITB Berlin 2016
• Beeralu lace- handicrafts - Sri Lanka Tourism at London Asia House Design 2016
• The “Colombo Bike Week” to boost recreational tourism
• Quest means Business in Sri Lanka
• Hon. Ms Iris Gleicke, the State Secretary visits the Sri Lanka stand at ITB
• Press conference – ITB 2016
• Sri Lanka Tourism hits a high note at the Opening ceremony at ITB Berlin 2016
• Sri Lanka wins the most popular destination at Tourism at Guangzhou International Travel Fair (GITF) 2016
• Sri Lanka Tourism at Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) , Mumbai 2016
• Sri Lanka Tourism at ITB Berlin (9-13th March 2016)
• Sri Lanka Tourism targets Finland market by Participating at MATKA Nordic Travel Fair 2016 in Helsinki, Finland
• The Young Leaders of the Economic Forum on a journey of Culture and Heritage with Sri Lanka Tourism
• Taking cultural and religious parades of Sri Lanka to the world
• Launching a Logo to Celebrate 50th Anniversary of Sri Lanka Tourism
• Fox News (USA) recommend Destination Sri Lanka
• TripAdvisor looks forward sustainable tourism Conference on Global Travel Insights
• Sri Lanka Tourism attracts flourishing number of foreign spectators to 2016 Duruthu Perahera
• South Asia’s very first Blood Ivory Destruction Event
• Sri Lanka Tourism links with CITES and industry stakeholders to promote Responsible Wildlife Tourism
• Sri Lanka Tourism begins the new year 2016, by investing on a lucrative promotional campaign to shine in South Korea
• ‘Destination Sri Lanka’ at Vakantiebeurs 2016
• Dream Trips 2016 recognises “The World's most extraordinary places to add to your travel wish list”
• Sri LankaTourism poised for sustainable growth...
• MALINDO AIR LAUNCHES DAILY KL-COLOMBO ROUTE
• THE NEW YORK POST REVEALS THE TOP HOTELS TO VISIT IN 2016
• Sri Lanka Tourism To Take-off Seasonal Celebrations at the Arcade Independence Square
• The Kingsbury wins World Luxury Hotel Award
• Sri Lanka Tourism showcases at World Travel Mart London with 64 Industry Partners
• Sri Lanka Tourism comes board for ITB Asia 2015 Travel Show
• Austrian Airlines inaugurate flights to Sri Lanka ..
• Sri Lanka wins hosting French Travel Agents Congress (SNAV) 2016
• Sri Lanka Tourism showcase “One Island, Thousand Treasures” at IFTM Travel Fair Paris , France 2015 ….
• Tourism Receipts touch $2.1 billion as at end September 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism launches Community Aid Tourism with Olympic Gold medallion
• Sri Lanka Tourism must focus on Asian Tourism as arrivals reach 45%
• Sri Lanka Tourism with Pink my Tuk Tuk launch Global Online video competition
• Scandinavian markets grow by 32%: Sri Lanka Tourism focussed marketing drive
• Tourism Record in September: arrivals jump 35.9% to cross 1.3 million
• Elephant Reach Crowned "Best Wildlife Resort" by Lonely Planet Magazine
• Sri Lanka ride the wave at Japan Tourism Expo 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism celebrate 'World Tourism Day' to upgrade industry competitiveness
• The 1st ever Cruise Tourism Marketing Plan presented to the New Tourism Minister
• Sri Lanka focus on South Korea's 14 million outbound market
• Sri Lanka Tourism French Marketing blitz launched
• World Tourism Day 2015- Sri Lanka Tourism & Colombo University MOU to be inked
• Sri Lanka - Cultural focus country at Key Italian Travel Fair TTG
• No 1 GLOBAL SOURCE MARKET: Sri Lanka Tourism launch multi city Road show in Germany
• Miss England plants the 500,000th in the One Million Tree Story Project
• Mr and Miss UK commends Sri Lanka- Destination of the Year title:
• Sri Lanka Tourism to highlight the 1706th Esala Perahera at Japan JATA World Expo 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism show at World Scouts Jamboree - Japan
• Sri Lanka Tourism take Guinness attempt globally from Russia
• SRI LANKA CHALLENGED
• Sri Lanka win the ' Best Stall' - China Xi'an Silk Road Tourism Expo 2015
• UK's best selling newspaper picks Sri Lanka- Destination of the year
• Sri Lanka Tourism enter China's growing religious tourism business
• Sri Lanka Tourism focus on a Indian niche market- IAS officers
• Sri Lanka passes the Guinness Record for largest Tea Party in Kandy
• Sri Lanka tourism to auction Ceylon Sapphire at Scandinavia TUR Travel Fair
• Sri Lanka Tourism, Tea board and Sri Lankan Airlines quest for Guinness Record
• Sri Lanka Tourism focussing on the $92 billion German source market
• Sri Lanka Tourism blitz on Sony Six for Sanga Farewell
• $16.4 million "Monkey Kingdom" launched today in Sri Lanka
• Sri Lanka Tourism to take Tea theme at World Travel Mart London 2015
• SL Tourism Launch Global Online Video Competition for 365 days holiday
• Sri Lanka Tourism selects 8 American kids for tour of “Monkey Kingdom Trail"
• Sports Tourism is worth $600 billion and Sri Lanka enters with Golf and Surfing
• Sri Lanka Tourism to make cruise segment a top 5 earner for Sri Lanka
• Sri Lanka makes inroad to Indian religious tourism market
• China as the tops Tourism arrivals in July crossing 25,000 visitors at +65.5%
• We have to attract the $250 tourist, let's not just chase visitor arrivals
• Whilst Tea brews for Sri Lanka Tourism - arrivals cross 1 million by July 2015
• Sri Lanka Focus On The US$ 2 Billion Whale Watching Bussiness
• Sri Lanka Tourism presents Trinco comes alive !
• Sri Lanka Tourism targeting 75,000 travellers from Australia
• Half Year Tourism earning at $1.3bn - Informal sector continues to drive tourist arrivals
• “Expo 2015 secure a 53 million Sapphire order for Sri Lanka” - Commissioner General Sri Lanka 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism launch strong marketing campaign in India
• Two Sri Lanka Tourism Board members win Outstanding Achievement awards
• Sri Lanka Tourism to launch Monkey Kingdom in China
• Sri Lanka Tourism search for Top Global Ad agency
• Sri Lanka Tourism takes high ground on $40bn Silk Road initiative - Qingdao
• Sri Lanka wins Best Tourism Pavilion at Beijing International travel Fair !!
• Tourism Informal sector touching 50% at 7.3mn Guest Nights
• Sri Lanka Tourism beat 52 countries to win top award at Global Travel Fair- KOTFA
• Tourism Promotions Bureau Depoliticized - will work strongly with private sector !
• Sri Lanka Tourism- Air India tap into Trade Tourism
• Sri Lanka Tourism to drive Niche Markets in South Korea
• MISS EARTH ON BOARD THE COLOMBO CITY TOUR
• Sri Lanka focus on the key market - South Korea worth 14 million travellers
• Sri Lanka Tourism - Korean Air joint promotions in South Korean market
• Sri Lanka Tourism strengthens ties with Xinhua News Agency
• University of Sri Jayewardenepura to be the think tank for Sri Lanka Tourism
• Sri Lanka pavilion at Expo Milano cross 30,000 + visitors!
• Miss Earth visits Sri Lanka Tourism whilst earnings touch $1billion by April 2015
• Miss Earth commends Colombo as top fastest growing tourist cities of 2015
• Sri Lanka in a Guinness Record Initiative
• Sri Lanka Tourism launch 200 million new brand building strategy
• 1st time -SL Tourism in Global Cruise push in Busan Korea.
• Sri Lanka Tourism practice nation brand building pillar support
• Expo Milano 2015: Global Endorsement for Sri Lanka
• 14,270 visitors experience Sri Lankan treasures - Expo 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism in joint promotion talks with Tourism Maldives
• Sri Lanka Tourism- One Island, thousand treasures
• Sri Lankan Disney Film cross $14.3 million ticket sales in US
• Grow without hurting the Environment – Sri Lanka ranked low at 103
• Private sector thumps up for Tourism strategy
• Sri Lanka Tourism wins Global award at Tourism Expo China
• Sri Lanka - one of the top stalls at Arabian Travel Fair as arrivals surge by 16.4%
• Sri Lanka Tourism launch focussed Marketing plan for Italy after a lapse of 2 years
• $1.3 million charter from Italy - 1st win from Expo 2015 !!
• Nation Brand building merges to destination marketing in today's digital age
• Expo 2015 launched: Sri Lanka to connect stronger to the west
• Chairman unite to power Brand Sri Lanka on a ROI model
• China offers Sichuan province World Tourism Fair Free for Sri Lanka
• Sri Lanka to focus on the $2 billion whale watching business
• Sri Lanka Cruise Tourism doubles - Global Marketing push locked
• ME grow by 20.1% in Q1- SL Tourism target Riyadh
• Sri Lanka tea board and Sri Lanka tourism partnership working globally
• UK grows by 14.8in Q1 - SL Tourism in marketing blitz in Birmingham
• 441 Australians cruise travelers visit Pinnawala
• Expo 2015 attracts 200 top SL private sector entities
• ‘MONKEY KINGDOM’- Sri Lanka in Disney’s Spotlight in the US
• Carles Puyol attracts 1 million views to Sri Lanka
• Focussed marketing plan launched for China as arrivals sore by 84.5%
• Tourist arrivals grow by 18% in March and 1st quarter by 13.6%
• Sri Lanka exports revving for this year’s historic Milano blitz
• Lanka’s brand value to reach US$ 79 b in 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism tie up with National Craft Council for Global Promotions
• MOU with CCTV mooted by Minister of Tourism
• Sri Lanka Tourism Strategy - China 2015 launched with private sector
• Russia – Sri Lanka Tourism does focussed brand building
• Sri Lanka Unites – Expo Milano 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism enters the $40 bn Cruiseline business
• Sri Lanka Tourism becomes top 4 at Global Tourism show
• Sri Lanka Tourism to focus on Swedish Market with Scene based Marketing
• Sri Lanka Tourism to invest Rs.1.2 bn only on trade fairs globally
• Sri Lanka Tourism includes Scandinavian countries in focus market drive
• Sri lanka tourism taps high potential czech republic market
• Sri Lanka launches new product - Ramanya Trail
• Recreation Tourism - a new trend globally
• Tourism "Celebrate Colombo" with Amazing Rides at CFW 2015
• Sri Lanka tea board and Sri Lanka tourism partnership working at ITB
• Sri Lanka Tourism and Sri Lankan air lines tie up at ITB
• After 10 years the Tourism hierarchy at ITB
• Sri Lanka Tourism to "Celebrate Colombo" at CFW 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism win at GITF China
• Sustainability is a way of life for Sri Lanka - Navin
• German Governemt supports the New government vision
• New Sri Lanka tourism chief, new spirits- launches new business model
• “Positive Transformation” - Sri Lanka's theme at ITB 2015
• The rescue mission of Dutch couple tells the world how much we care for Foreign Guest
• Sri Lanka Tourism and Tea Board in a Rs.1bn tie up
• UK travellers to woo Sri Lanka as a Weddings & Honeymoons destination
• Sri Lanka Tourism gathers momentum at key Italian Travel Fair
• One Million Trees Project
• Marketing Sri Lanka via Film Tourism
• Mega Travel Influencer ‘Nas Daily’ join-hands to promote Tourism in Sri Lanka November 24, 2023
• Sri Lanka celebrates its milestone surpassing 100,000 Russian arrivals through direct flights August 8, 2023
• The 67th Conference of TAAI commenced at the BMICH in Colombo August 8, 2023
• Sri Lanka Tourism promotes its Travel and Tourism Potential in three Australian cities July 17, 2023
• All set for the TAAI Convention hosted by Sri Lanka Tourism held from 6th - 9th July July 6, 2023
• Sri Lanka Tourism hosts a gala Sri Lankan themed dinner for New Zealand and Sri Lankan Women’s Cricket teams July 6, 2023
• Sri Lanka Tourism bounce back with a positive influx of tourist arrivals July 6, 2023
• New Zealand Women’s cricket team receive a warm welcome from Sri Lanka Tourism on their first Sri Lanka tour in 11 yea July 6, 2023
• SLCB Unveils MICE Training Programme for Regional Hoteliers in Kandy & Nuwara Eliya Regions June 23, 2023
• 'Air Seychelles' makes its Inaugural flight to Sri Lanka, with Familiarization Tours in line June 23, 2023
• SLTPB and SLAITO partners to host the 67th Convention of TAAI in Colombo June 20, 2023
• UK Bloggers & Influencers FAM Tour in Sri Lanka Showcases Island's Captivating Beauty and Diverse Socio-Cultural Facets June 19, 2023
• Sri Lanka Tourism Taps Middle Eastern Region at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) – 2023 June 13, 2023
• Sri Lanka Tourism makes waves at the Guangzhou International Travel Fair (GITF 2023) June 7, 2023
• “Cordelia Empress’’ makes her maiden call on Hambantota Port June 7, 2023
• Vietnamese Media Personnel impressed with Sri Lankan attractions June 7, 2023
• "Seeing is Believing” campaign is launched by Aitken Spence, Jetwing, Cinnamon in collaboration with Sri Lanka Tourism May 19, 2023
• The Queen of Polish Pop “DODA” visits Sri Lanka to promote the destination among the Polish Travelers May 15, 2023
• Spanish Travel influencers conclude familiarization trip on a successful note May 10, 2023
• An Island’s Eleven – A complete history of Sri Lanka Cricket May 8, 2023
• Korean Media Personnel Highlights Sri Lanka as a must visit Tourist destination April 18, 2023
• Foreign couple enter wedlock going by the Sri Lankan tradition April 17, 2023
• Forbes lists Sri Lanka as one of the 23 best places to visit in 2023 April 17, 2023
• Sri Lanka Tourism hosts a FAM tour for Filipino Tour operators in order to enhance Bilateral and Business connections April 11, 2023
• Australian Travel Agents Experience Sri Lanka’s uniqueness on FAM Tour April 11, 2023
• Journalists and bloggers across the globe join hands together to promote Sri Lanka April 11, 2023
• Sri Lanka participation at Outbound Travel Market (OTM) Jio World Convention Centre | Mumbai 02 - 04 February, 2023 April 11, 2023
• Sri Lanka becomes Cynosure at MITT Travel Show in Russia 16th to 18th March 2023 March 29, 2023
• All set for the world’s largest all female Adventure Challenge,’’ RAID AMAZONES 2023’’ March 24, 2023
• Sri Lanka welcomes the first group of Chinese tourists for 2023 with open arms March 10, 2023
• Sri Lanka Targets German Travelers at ITB in Berlin March 10, 2023
• Sri Lanka participates at the Milano BIT 2023, International Tourism Exchange 12 – 14 Feb 2023 March 2, 2023
• Indian Social Media influencers conclude their all island bike tour on a positive note February 24, 2023
• Veteran Indian Movie star promotes Sri Lanka across the world January 28, 2023
• Sri Lanka Tourism returns to Spanish Market after pandemic January 27, 2023
• Italian Media personnel mesmerized with Sri Lanka’s cultural diversity January 16, 2023
• ‘’ Race the Pearl ‘’ concludes with the French –British domination November 18, 2022
• Sri Lanka Tourism collaborates with Air Arabia to host a group of Travel Agents from Azerbaijan November 16, 2022
• Sri Lanka Targets Travellers at World Travel Market (WTM) in London November 9, 2022
• Sri Lanka Tourism focuses on the Egyptian Market, by hosting an Industrial FAM Tour For Egyptian Travel Agents November 4, 2022
• Sri Lanka has taken the limelight in Bollywood & Sandalwood Cinemas with Yohani October 21, 2022
• Sri Lanka Tourism embarks on a series of Road Shows in India September 23, 2022
• Culture, Cuisine, dance and destination featured at Sri Lanka Cultural Festival Stockholm September 6, 2022
• Developing cultural and historical ties between India and Sri Lanka through the “Murugan Trail” August 29, 2022
• Indian Media and Travel influencers have taken the lead to support Sri Lanka Tourism August 15, 2022
• Sri Lanka Masters Hockey Men teams to take part in 2022 World Cup in England August 10, 2022
• A delegation of students from the University of Lincoln arrives on a Study Tour to Sri Lanka July 5, 2022
• Sri Lanka participates at South Asia’s Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE) 2022 at India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, Del June 3, 2022
• LEASING OF UCHCHAMUNAI ISLAND IN KALPITIYA May 15, 2022
• Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau welcomes Israeli Film Crew April 22, 2022
• Singapore Airlines signs MOU with Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau April 22, 2022
• Promoting Sri Lanka and its many diverse facets to the World April 22, 2022
• Media personnel from Korea conclude their FAM Tour in Sri Lanka April 11, 2022
• The 2nd stage of Raid Amazones 2022 concludes with Adventure, Energy and Enthusiasm April 7, 2022
• The Second stage of Raid Amazones 2022 (Video Highlights ) March 30, 2022
• The 2nd edition of Raid Amazones kicks off in style with another 214 participants ready to face the challenge March 30, 2022
• Sri Lanka Tourism’s Influencer Program continues to create global buzz by making the island a ‘Bucket List Holiday D March 25, 2022
• Swedish Tourism Industry specialists and Tour Operators to enhance partnerships to elevate Tourism to Sri Lanka March 25, 2022
• The first stage of Raid Amazones 2022 concludes on a Successful Note March 23, 2022
• The first stage of Raid Amazones 2022 concludes on a Successful Note ( Video Highlights ) March 23, 2022
• Raid Amazones 2022 Continue for the 4th Successive Day - Highlights (Images/videos) March 22, 2022
• Raid Amazones 2022 -3rd and 4th day's highlights March 20, 2022
• Raid Amazones, the largest tourism program in the country after the Covid -19 pandemic - Day 02 March 19, 2022
• Vietnamese Tour operators arrive in Sri Lanka for a Media and Trade FAM March 16, 2022
• RAID AMAZONES arrival and the welcome at Sigiriya March 16, 2022
• Raid Amazones, the largest tourism program in the country after the Covid -19 pandemic begins March 16, 2022
• Participants and officials of ‘’Raid Amazones ‘’ arrive in the island to take part in the world’s largest ‘ March 15, 2022
• Sri Lanka to be promoted all across Poland as a paradise destination March 15, 2022
• Sri Lanka Tourism continues to earn high media coverage at EXPO 2020 Dubai March 14, 2022
• Sri Lanka to boost awareness among Bangladesh tourists March 11, 2022
• TVN Discovery/National Geographic Traveler FAM Tour March 6, 2022
• The Joint Press Release by Sri Lanka Embassy in Germany, German Travel Association- DRV and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion March 5, 2022
• Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid of the UAE and H.E. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Visit Sri Lanka Pavilion at Expo 2020 Duba February 22, 2022
• Sri Lanka Tourism and Health Guidelines February 22, 2022
• Press Release: Santani becomes the first Sri Lankan hotel to be selected as “worlds best” – hailed as Best Wellnes February 22, 2022
• Sri Lanka Tourism Facilitates the country’s first Cable Car Project to take off soon. February 22, 2022
• Regarding the photo of ‘Pattipola Tourist Comfort Centre’ that is being widely circulated across social media. February 22, 2022
• The Sri Lanka Virtual MICE Expo 2021 breaks new ground February 22, 2022
• Brand Sri Lanka reports robust health as per latest brand report February 22, 2022
• Sri Lanka Tourism kick-start an aggressive media and travel influencer campaign for Russia and Ukraine markets February 22, 2022
• EXPO 2020 DUBAI Tourism earns high media mileage February 22, 2022
• Sri Lanka Tourism commands attention at World Routes 2021 February 22, 2022
• Sri Lanka Tourism and Australia’s MDF webinar to Share Insights from 10,000 Consumers from 10 Key Markets to Strategic February 22, 2022
• Sri Lanka Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai Welcomes Queens Baton Relay February 21, 2022
• Sri Lanka Tourism supported by EU to develop wellness tourism February 14, 2022
• Brides of Sri Lanka magazine together with Galle Face Hotel hosts ‘Wedding Week 2022’ February 8, 2022
• Sri Lanka Tourism welcomes the Trade Fam Tour from Russia & Ukraine February 8, 2022
• Sri Lanka Tourism hosts Miss International UK January 3, 2022
• Sri Lanka, the next holiday destination for Australian tourists promoted in Melbourne November 21, 2021
• Destination Sri Lanka presented at TNM - Sweden’s premier Tourism event November 15, 2021
• Sri Lanka is now open for International Travellers November 15, 2021
• Sri Lanka spreads its holiday vibes at WTM, as vibrant and a unique travel destination November 10, 2021
• DEEPAWALI, TURNING A NEW CHAPTER FOR INDO-LANKA CULTURAL & TOURISM RELATIONS November 10, 2021
• Sri Lanka poised to see upsurge of Polish tourists November 8, 2021
• Sri Lanka opens its doors to international travellers to experience travel and adventure November 3, 2021
• Sri Lanka plans Virtual MICE Expo to sustain buzz on the destination in the global business community October 29, 2021
• Sri Lanka Tourism kicks off film tourism promotions within Indian Cinema to attract more Indian tourists to the island October 26, 2021
• Sri Lanka Pavilion shines through October 21, 2021
• Sri Lanka Voted among ‘The Best Countries to Travel to’ in Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards October 16, 2021
• Social media rant investigated October 13, 2021
• Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau conducts an awareness session via zoom for Outbound travel agents and tourism stake October 11, 2021
• Sri Lanka celebrates the World Children’s Day in Austria October 11, 2021
• Sri Lanka Tourism Strategically Promoted in France October 6, 2021
• Sri Lanka pavilion inaugurated at Expo 2020 Dubai October 4, 2021
• Sharing the future tourism prospects in Sri Lanka with Vietnamese Travel Agents September 29, 2021
• Sri Lanka Tourism Achieves Growth through Strategic Partnerships with Foreign Missions September 29, 2021
• Sri Lanka Tourism commemorates World Tourism Day 2021 September 27, 2021
• Travel Talk Article - 2nd September 2021 September 23, 2021
• Popular Couch Safari Back with Wilpattu National Park September 22, 2021
• Discover the Wonders of Wilpattu National Park Sri Lanka via Wildlife Streaming September 16, 2021
• Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, in collaboration with the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai, conducts a Webin September 14, 2021
• Recognising the vital role of SMEs in Sri Lanka’s Tourism Sector September 1, 2021
• The Kandy Esala Perahera Live-Streamed Globally August 31, 2021
• SRI LANKA PAVILLION TAKES SHAPE FOR EXPO 2020 DUBAI August 13, 2021
• Sri Lanka Tourism Lures Digital Nomads July 13, 2021
• Initiative to vaccinate those who are involved in the Tourism industry in order to rejuvenate Tourism July 12, 2021
• Sri Lanka Tourism enables sustainable development July 12, 2021
• Bloomberg Lists Sigiriya as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World July 4, 2021
• Sri Lanka Tourism Harnesses Technology to Enhance the Traveler Experience June 29, 2021
• Keep the Sri Lankan Holiday Dream Alive June 14, 2021
• The Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM) signs MoU with Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne June 11, 2021
• Digital Transformation of the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management May 11, 2021
• Experiences Reshaping Tourism May 5, 2021
• CNN Shines Global Spotlight on Sri Lanka Tourism May 4, 2021
• Sri Lanka Tourism Hosts a Virtual Media Conference with German and Swiss Media April 29, 2021
• Global Tourism Industry News April 28, 2021
• Sri Lanka Tourism gears up for the turn over a new page in tourism – with a webinar for UK based Tour Operators and Me April 20, 2021
• Sri Lanka Tourism ‘s International Travel Blogger & Journalist Program to support SME’s April 7, 2021
• SRI LANKAN TOURISMS’ BIO BUBBLE RECOGNIZED AT ITB BERLIN April 1, 2021
• Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority approves Bolagala Floating Agro Tourism Resort in Katana – a novel Agro Touris March 24, 2021
• Sri Lanka Convention Bureau launches “Meet in Sri Lanka” series to resume MICE Tourism. March 17, 2021
• MICE Tourism Media Release March 5, 2021
• Sri Lanka Tourism to launch ‘Global Communication Campaign’ March 5, 2021
• Covid-19 Vaccination for the Tourism industry March 4, 2021
• CNN hails steps taken to reopen tourism in Sri Lanka February 27, 2021
• ‘Hello Again’ virtual tourism awareness session held for US based tour operators and media February 1, 2021
• German travellers visiting Sri Lanka with the opening of the Airport for international Tourists January 23, 2021
• AS SRI LANKA OPENS FOR TOURISM A GERMAN DELEGATION VISITS SRI LANKA ON AYURVA TOURISM January 23, 2021
• SRI LANKA TOURISM GEARS UP TO WELCOME INTERNATIONAL VISITORS January 18, 2021
• The second BIMSTEC Network of Tour Operators meeting concludes with new initiatives for developing regional tourism December 18, 2020
• CHINESE INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL MART OPEN FOR VIRTUAL TRAVEL BUSINESS SLTPB Registered Businesses to have extended 6 month December 11, 2020
• PATA PROVIDES GLOBAL. EXPERT MENTORING FOR SRI LANKA TOURISM TO REDESIGN REVIVAL STRATEGY POST COVID-19 December 10, 2020
• The World Travel Market - UK (WTM) Virtual Event held 9th – 11th November 2020/ Sri Lanka Tourism aims at upsurge in November 25, 2020
• Sri Lanka Tourism's Wildlife Streaming event “Couch Safari' - A resounding success November 23, 2020
• Sri Lanka Tourism goes global on Nile TV to woo the Mediterranean traveler November 16, 2020
• “Go on Safari on the couch " –Wild Life streaming in Sri Lanka National Parks draws attraction from the Turkish trav November 16, 2020
• SRI LANKA TOURISM ENGAGES AUSTRALIA’S KEY STAKEHOLDERS on Destination Readiness and Innovation in a New Era November 13, 2020
• Couch Safari – Sri Lanka Tourism’s virtual adventure gains popularity among international travellers November 10, 2020
• Couch Safari - Taking Srilanka wild life to the world October 28, 2020
• ‘Go on a couch safari’ concept to be promoted by Sri Lanka Tourism October 22, 2020
• ENGAGING KEY SOURCE COUNTRY TOURISM STAKEHOLDERS VIA WEBINARS SLTPB teams up foreign missions to upsurge Post COVID Tou October 22, 2020
• Sri Lanka Tourism attends Virtual ‘ANTOR Meets the Media’ October 13, 2020
• Sri Lanka Tourism collaborates with International Travel Influencers to keep alive ‘Sri Lankan Holiday’ dream October 12, 2020
• Sri Lanka shows it’s potential at the “Flavours of Sri Lanka” Destination Promotion Event October 8, 2020
• Sri Lanka celebrates the World Children’s Day in style at Vienna, Austria October 8, 2020
• Sri Lanka Tourism reaches out to Sri Lankan Missions Overseas;H.E. Dr. Palitha Kohona, newly appointed Ambassador to Chi September 26, 2020
• Adapting to new normal, Sri Lanka Tourism goes virtual to promote ‘Wildlife’ September 23, 2020
• Sri Lanka Tourism is set to celebrate World Tourism Day 2020 under the theme “Tourism and Rural Development” from 25 September 22, 2020
• CNBC to promote Sri Lanka Tourism in Goodwill gesture September 15, 2020
• SLTDA creates provisional licensing to assist SMEs. July 16, 2020
• Sri Lanka Tourism to support SME’s and product development with EU funding July 9, 2020
• Sri Lanka Tourism lobbies for inclusion in travel corridors July 8, 2020
• BBC collaborates with Sri Lanka Tourism to revive the Tourism Sector July 7, 2020
• Tourism Ministry and SLTDA step in to provide relief to the Tourism industry stakeholders July 7, 2020
• Sri Lanka Tourism is all set to host UNWTO’s 32nd Asia and the Pacific Virtual Joint Commission Meeting tomorrow. June 29, 2020
• Sri Lanka Tourism Post COVID-19 - Way Forward June 25, 2020
• 11,389 tourists in Sri Lanka currently and Sri Lanka Tourism requests them to register with the recently launched “Tou May 7, 2020
• Relief Measures for Tourist Guides during the COVID -19 outbreak April 12, 2020
• Arrangements are in place for international tourists to get to their home countries – Sri Lanka to allow charter fligh March 26, 2020
• Sri Lanka to host top UN World Tourism Organization Conference in Colombo. March 3, 2020
• SLTDA and BOI sign MoU to enhance cooperation between the two agencies. February 28, 2020
• Press Release: Sri Lanka Tourism and Police in discussion to enhance the safety and security of tourists. February 25, 2020
• Sri Lanka Tourism kicked off aggressive travel blogger & influencer campaign for 2020 by inviting 27 International Trave February 25, 2020
• Spanish travelers enthralled by Sri Lanka at FITUR International Travel Fair 2020 Madrid, Spain February 24, 2020
• Sri Lanka shows its colors at FESPO Travel Fair, Zurich, Switzerland February 20, 2020
• Indian visitors embrace Sri Lanka’s Tourism attractions with enthusiasm at the Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) 2020, in Mum February 13, 2020
• Sri Lanka shows its capability at the Wanderlust Travel Reader Awards 2020 February 13, 2020
• Sri Lanka becomes the centre of attraction at the Vakantiebeurs Travel Fair 2020 February 13, 2020
• Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau shows it’s potential at CMT 2020, Germany January 26, 2020
• A high profile delegation from Holland arrives in Sri Lanka for a familiarization visit January 21, 2020
• Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau collaborates with ITV UK for destination promotion January 18, 2020
• Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau makes a successful contribution at SATTE 2020 January 16, 2020
• Sri Lanka targets more Western European tourist arrivals at the ILTM, Cannes 2019 January 13, 2020
• Sri Lanka named as Asia’s best destination for Wildlife tourism at Top Asia Corporate ball 2019, and selected for the January 6, 2020
• Sri Lanka Tourism shares the spirit of Christmas with local & foreign tourists December 27, 2019
• Sri Lanka appreciated as “The Destination for the Rising Chinese travellers’’ in Chengdu Sichuan. December 24, 2019
• Sri Lanka kicks off Tourism Promotional Evening and Cultural night in Dubai parallel to the Dubai Rugby sevens. December 20, 2019
• WTM London unveils Sri Lanka as premier partner for 2019 December 20, 2019
• Sri Lanka participates in the fourth travel Expo Exhibition in Ankara, Turkey December 17, 2019
• Sri Lanka highlights its Tourism Potential at the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) 2019, Shanghai, China December 16, 2019
• Sri Lanka showcases it’s potential at the China International Travel Mart (CITM 2019), Shanghai, China December 13, 2019
• Japanese Tour Operators/ Agents participate in a FAM Tour to promote Sri Lanka as a travel destination December 4, 2019
• Vistara , India’s finest full service carrier inaugurates Mumbai – Colombo service December 2, 2019
• Sri Lanka Promoted As A Travel Destination In Belgium November 27, 2019
• Digital Billboard Campaign to promote SL Tourism in Netherlands for the first time November 27, 2019
• Sri Lanka Tourism holds ‘’Taste of Abu Dhabi ‘’ in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Embassy in the U.A.E November 25, 2019
• Sri Lanka Participates at Travel News Market 2019- Stockholm November 25, 2019
• “Feel & Share So Sri Lanka” - international Travel Media & Blogger Promotional Program geared-up by Sri Lanka Touri November 20, 2019
• Newly renovated Tourist Information Centre opens in Kandy November 15, 2019
• Sri Lanka bags two awards at the World Travel Awards 2019 November 15, 2019
• Sri Lanka Participates at ITB ASIA 2019 in Singapore November 15, 2019
• Sri Lanka makes a hall mark at the Swiss International Holiday Exhibition in Lugano, Switzerland November 15, 2019
• Sri Lanka Tourism partners with several International Organizations at IMM Asia 2019 November 15, 2019
• Sri Lanka promotes tourism at the International Tourism and Travel Show in Montreal November 15, 2019
• International Travel Influencers step-up to Give back to the nature in Sri Lanka November 14, 2019
• Popular Travel blog ‘’My Adventure across the world ‘’ takes Sri Lanka to the centre stage November 14, 2019
• LOT Polish Airlines makes its inaugural flight to Sri Lanka November 14, 2019
• Costa Victoria makes her debut call at the port of Colombo November 14, 2019
• Sri Lanka dazzles as Premier Partner at World Travel Market November 11, 2019
• Sri Lanka Tourism Celebrates the Big Win by Santani at the World Travel Market UK November 9, 2019
• A high profile delegation from Belgium arrives in Sri Lanka for a familiarization visit November 6, 2019
• Sri Lanka shows its prestige at JATA Tourism Expo 2019 November 5, 2019
• Sri lanka promotes tourism at the international book fair in frankfurt October 28, 2019
• The German Travel Association extends its support to Sri Lanka Tourism October 28, 2019
• Italian Celebrity Chef to support Sri Lanka Tourism October 24, 2019
• Sri Lanka strikes a promising high at Travel Fair in Italy October 17, 2019
• Australian Travel Agents impressed with Sri Lanka Tourism October 17, 2019
• Recognizing Jaffna: A Culinary Adventure by Popular YouTubers - Chopstick Travel October 10, 2019
• Sri Lankan Holidays launch in Dubai October 7, 2019
• Sri Lanka showcases sustainable tourism at MATTA Trade Fair 2019 October 4, 2019
• Sri Lanka shows its potential at the OTDYKH Leisure & Tourism fair October 2, 2019
• Sri Lanka Tourism gains momentum at IFTM TOP RESA Travel Fair 2019 in Paris, France October 2, 2019
• So Sri Lanka Pro 2019 kick starts on a triumphant note October 2, 2019
• Sri Lanka Tourism Celebrates World Tourism Day with Foreign Guests at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) September 30, 2019
• Tourism Promotions Bureau Starts Global TV advertising to boost tourism to Sri Lanka September 20, 2019
• So Sri Lanka Pro 2019 September 11, 2019
• Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau welcomes a delegation of high profile Indian journalists to Sri Lanka September 10, 2019
• Sri Lanka Tourism gears up for the So Sri Lanka Pro 2019 September 6, 2019
• Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau hosted the Board of Directors meeting of United Federations of Travel Agents Associat September 6, 2019
• Ministers Initiative in Thailand pays Dividends September 4, 2019
• Tourism Industry commends the lifting of the state emergency September 3, 2019
• Visa Fee Exempted to 48 countries in order to bring more tourists to the country August 30, 2019
• Sri Lanka gears up for the Global Bohra Convention 2019 August 27, 2019
• Australian Tour Operators Chairman meets the Tourism Minister August 27, 2019
• International Culinary YouTubers Explore Colombo Cuisine August 16, 2019
• Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau hosts networking session for travel bloggers August 15, 2019
• Sri Lanka shines at the Shopping Mall Promotion in Malaysia August 6, 2019
• Chinese journalists on FAM tour July 24, 2019
• The West Asia Baseball Cup 2019 July 19, 2019
• Capitalizing on increased interest by Aussie tourists July 17, 2019
• Thai expertise to expedite tourism recovery July 4, 2019
• Sri Lanka launches major tourism drive in China July 3, 2019
• Chinese delegation calls on SLTPB for a visit to extend support to boost Tourism July 1, 2019
• Sri Lanka bags the award for the best performance at SITIF 2019 July 1, 2019
• Sri Lanka Tourism shines in Vistula Boulevards in Warsaw, Poland June 18, 2019
• Sri Lanka showcases its best at the Carnival of Cultures June 18, 2019
• Sri Lanka Tourism launches special promotional campaign in India June 13, 2019
• Sri Lanka Tourism; The Steady Road to Recovery May 28, 2019
• Career tourism professional has been appointed as the Managing Director of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau May 27, 2019
• Thai Buddhist group, a beacon of blessings and hope May 23, 2019
• Social Media influencers and journalists show renewed interest in Sri Lanka May 14, 2019
• “Let us unite and work against global terrorism” - Sri Lanka Tourism addresses global media at ATM, Dubai May 3, 2019
• Sri Lanka Tourism begins destination brand recovery process April 30, 2019
• Sri Lanka tourism industry defiant after deadly attacks UAE welcomes Sri Lanka with open arms Sri Lanka sets its sight o April 30, 2019
• The visa on arrival programme on hold in response to security concerns April 26, 2019
• A statement from the International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA) CEO Senthil Gopinath on the recent events in April 26, 2019
• Creating awareness on Sri Lanka about the current situation (Q & A) April 26, 2019
• Statement from Sri Lanka Tourism (SLTDA and SLTPB) April 26, 2019
• Sri Lanka captures the hearts of Italians with eye catching promotions at BIT Travel Fair April 23, 2019
• About the Conference of the Parties (CoP) of CITES April 8, 2019
• Sri Lanka tantalises taste-buds at Taste of Dubai April 2, 2019
• Over 3000 tourists arrive onboard two cruise ships to Sri Lanka April 1, 2019
• First Ever Tourism Campaign in South Africa April 1, 2019
• “So Sri Lanka” branding promoted at IMM - Berlin March 11, 2019
• Sri Lanka Tourism unveils new documentary at ITB March 11, 2019
• ‘So Sri Lanka’ takes global media by storm March 11, 2019
• Marketing Drive by Sri Lanka Tourism at Thai International Travel Fair 2019 March 8, 2019
• Sri Lanka dazzles in the heart of Bollywood Once again March 8, 2019
• Global Instagram Titans join hands with Sri Lanka Tourism to get inspired by their global 22 million travel seeking foll March 6, 2019
• Spanish travelers enthralled by So Sri Lanka experience at FITUR Travel Fair, Spain 2019 February 20, 2019
• MS Queen Mary passenger cruise arrival 2019 February 18, 2019
• “So Sri Lanka” won the Best Decorated International Pavilion at the 26th PTAA Travel and Tour Expo 2019 – Manila, February 14, 2019
• Sri Lanka to take sports Tourism towards a new dimension February 11, 2019
• OTOAI to host annual convention in Sri Lanka February 7, 2019
• Sri Lanka, a must travel destination February 5, 2019
• Sri Lanka shows its prestige at the CMT Germany February 1, 2019
• Sri Lanka makes a successful participation at SATTE 2019 January 23, 2019
• Sri Lanka takes the Centre stage at Vakantiebeurs January 18, 2019
• Three cruise liners ferry in over 7000 tourists to Sri Lanka December 24, 2018
• Sri Lanka reach new heights in world luxury travel trade at ILTM Travel Fair, Cannes, France 2018 December 20, 2018
• Sri Lanka steals the spotlight at historical city of Izmir December 13, 2018
• Sri Lanka at Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens December 13, 2018
• CEAV congress ends on successful note December 12, 2018
• Sri Lanka shines at TT Warsaw November 29, 2018
• British film location managers scout for scenic spots November 28, 2018
• Situation Update November 19, 2018
• Lonely Planet’s best travel destinations for 2019 revealed November 12, 2018
• Sri Lanka attracts charter flights from Europe November 9, 2018
• Sri Lanka Tourism Welcomes Barmy Army November 9, 2018
• Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, launches Sri Lanka’s new destination brand “So Sri Lanka” November 9, 2018
• Legendary Vagabrothers geared up to take Sri Lanka to the world November 9, 2018
• Sri Lanka shines at JATA Tourism Expo 2018 in Japan October 25, 2018
• Enchanting Lanka Presented to French Media at Cercle de l'Union Interalliee Paris France October 17, 2018
• Sri Lanka Tourism gains momentum at 40th Anniversary Edition of IFTM TOP RESA Travel Fair 2018 in Paris France October 15, 2018
• Film Fare selects Sri Lanka to do the cover shoot of its November issue October 10, 2018
• Sri Lanka Strengthens ties with the Russian Counterparts October 10, 2018
• Sri Lanka Tourism makes inroads into Scandinavia October 8, 2018
• Sri Lanka recognized as Asia’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination September 13, 2018
• Roadshow Germany 2018 September 6, 2018
• Leisure and golf, a new tourism trend September 1, 2018
• SLTPB scales up tourist arrivals with roadshows August 31, 2018
• Discovering Sri Lanka’s lesser known attractions through the eyes of social media influencers August 17, 2018
• Sri Lanka beckons Indian travellers to its Ramayana Yathra August 3, 2018
• Sri Lanka Tourism bags the best performance award at KOFTA 2018 August 3, 2018
• Sri Lanka Tourism woos tourists from India August 1, 2018
• Sri Lanka Tourism carrying out multi-platform global campaigns June 28, 2018
• The Tourism Village at Kajugama - Bataleeya April 20, 2018
• Minister assures safety of tourists; tough action against errant establishments April 19, 2018
• Sri Lanka Tourism impacts French consumers at Salon Mondial Du Tourism (SMT) Travel Fair, Paris, France 2018 April 10, 2018
• Sri Lanka successfully participates for the first time at DTM 2018 April 10, 2018
• Underwater with Sri Lanka's sperm whales – in pictures April 6, 2018
• Sri Lanka strengthens its industrial ties with Singapore at NATA’s Travel Fair 2018 April 5, 2018
• Russian visitors impressed with Sri Lanka’s diversity April 2, 2018
• Sri Lanka to be the next uprising Paradise for Travel Influencers from around the Globe SLTPB Visiting Blogger Program g April 2, 2018
• Sri Lanka Tourism targets top source markets from Western Europe April 2, 2018
• Another feather added to Sri Lanka’s cap by the National Geographic March 23, 2018
• Update on current situation in Sri Lanka -Kandy returns to normalcy March 21, 2018
• SLTPB Visiting Blogger Program geared up for aggressive social media promotion in 2018 with World’s Top Travel influen March 19, 2018
• Sri Lanka successfully participates at the Jeddah International Travel & Tourism Exhibition (JTTX-8) 2018 & Road Show in March 16, 2018
• Sri Lanka Tourism rolls out effective media campaign at ITB 2018 March 15, 2018
• ITB is an excellent setting for B2B meetings March 15, 2018
• Sri Lanka Tourism aggressive on media & publicity @ ITB 2018 March 15, 2018
• Sri Lanka Shines at ITB Despite Kandy Blip March 15, 2018
• SRI LANKA PARTICIPATION at ASTINDO 2018 March 15, 2018
• Destinations - The Holiday and Travel Show– Event City Exhibition Centre 17th to 21st January 2018- Manchester February 26, 2018
• Holiday World Show 2018 in Dublin Ireland February 22, 2018
• Sri Lanka Tourism shines in the Mediterranean at the IMTM Travel Fair 2018 February 21, 2018
• Sri Lankan Consulate General in Dubai celebrates 70th Anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence and 25th year Anniversar February 21, 2018
• Sri Lanka targets approximately 450,000, Indian arrivals for the year 2018 February 14, 2018
• Sri Lanka Tourism sees Mumbai as a market for high growth February 8, 2018
• New dimension to promote Sri Lanka as a destination February 7, 2018
• Costa Neo Classica makes her first arrival on the dawn of 2018 January 29, 2018
• Sri Lanka recognised a preferred Film Destination for British Filmmakers January 3, 2018
• Best countries and cities to visit in 2018: The 18 places you should visit this year January 3, 2018
• Sri Lanka Tourism taps high-end Luxury French Travelers Participates at -ILTM Travel Fair in Cannes, France 2017 January 2, 2018
• Open Air Art Gallery December 22, 2017
• Iconic City Tour adds zest to Christmas Fest December 21, 2017
• Sri Lanka’s participation at the Winter Festival draws attention as an excellent family destination December 20, 2017
• Sri Lanka has been named as the most popular destination on Eurasia review December 20, 2017
• MS. Costa Neo Classica makes her second portof call to Sri Lanka December 15, 2017
• Sri Lanka Tourism concludes successful roadshows and food & cultural Event in Australia December 13, 2017
• Sri Lanka Tourism wins top award at E-Swabhimani Ceremony December 12, 2017
• TourismFest to Dazzle Colombo December 7, 2017
• Sri Lanka gets another feather in it’s cap as one of Asia’s most sought after travel destinations December 7, 2017
• “MS COSTA NEO CLASSICA” makes het debut arrival to Colombo Port on 5th December 2017 December 6, 2017
• Sri Lanka Tourism creates a global impact at the Family Traveller Awards November 28, 2017
• Travel Bloggers make Sri Lanka go viral on Social Media November 24, 2017
• The Family Traveller Awards 2017 reveals family-centric travel is booming November 24, 2017
• Sri Lanka Tourism strike an all-time high at IFTM TOP RESA 2017 Paris, France November 15, 2017
• “Ms MEIN SCHIFF 01” makes her debut arrival to Colombo Port on 13th November 2017 November 15, 2017
• Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, title sponsor of the prestigious, annual British Guild of Travel Writers Awards, Lon November 14, 2017
• Sri Lanka Targets Leading Middle Eastern Tour Operators November 13, 2017
• Colombo to have its first international shopping experience with the Colombo International Shopping Festival November 13, 2017
• World Tourism day – 2017 November 13, 2017
• Commemoration of National Coastal and Marine Resources Convocation Week 2017 (15th – 22nd Sep 2017) November 13, 2017
• Sri Lanka Tourism makes inroads into Scandinavia November 13, 2017
• Sri Lanka captures the attention of Gujaratis November 13, 2017
• Sri Lanka’s Uniqueness attracts the Germans November 13, 2017
• Sri Lanka taps leading Malaysian Tour operators November 13, 2017
• Roadshow in Germany held on 12 September 2017 in Cologne. November 13, 2017
• Sri Lanka voted finalist for culture and Heritage Holiday Destination for UK Travel Awards November 13, 2017
• Developing connections through Culture and Heritage November 13, 2017
• Why Sri Lanka is the ultimate destination November 13, 2017
• Dengue Epidemic in Sri Lanka is successfully brought under control November 13, 2017
• Sri Lanka poised as the next island paradise for International bloggers November 13, 2017
• Travel and Tourism Fair (TTF) Kolkata inaugurated November 13, 2017
• Sri Lanka crowned as "Asia’s Leading Destination" at World Travel Awards -2017 November 13, 2017
• Drowning prevention in Sri Lanka November 13, 2017
• Sri Lanka Tourism shows its compassion towards elephants via training session at Pinnawala November 13, 2017
• Sri Lankan Culinary Delights Applauded by Israeli Holiday Makers November 13, 2017
• Sri Lanka named Asia’s Leading Destination 2017 November 13, 2017
• Sri Lanka Tourism shows prestige at the ATM May 5, 2017
• PATA all set to kick off with their annual summit in Sri Lanka with a bang April 7, 2017
• Singapore To Share Digital Tourism Destination Marketing And Promotion Experience With The Democratic Socialist Republic April 4, 2017
• German Travel Association contemplates to host next AGM in Sri Lanka March 24, 2017
• Sri Lanka shows its colors at ITB Berlin 2017 March 16, 2017
• “A Journal of a Journey” at ITB 2017 March 16, 2017
• Sri Lanka Tourism bags Most Popular Destination Award at GTIF 2017 March 14, 2017
• Sri Lanka captures Bollywood – Sri Lanka to become a favourite location for Indian films March 10, 2017
• Strengthening cultural and religious ties March 9, 2017
• Sri Lanka Tourism all set to be profoundly aggressive at ITB Berlin 2017 March 9, 2017
• Sri Lanka goes around the world with "Eclectic Presse" March 7, 2017
• Sri Lanka Tourism Conducts Roadshow in Mumbai March 6, 2017
• Sri Lanka shines at SATTE Exhibition in New Delhi March 2, 2017
• Two graceful beauties take Sri Lanka to greater heights February 23, 2017
• Why is Sri Lanka becoming the most fashionable place to travel February 22, 2017
• Sri Lankans in New York - Sri Lanka shows its colors in New York February 17, 2017
• Sri Lanka wows the Mediterranean again at the Jeddah International Travel and Tourism Exhibition February 17, 2017
• Sri Lanka Tourism conquers the Mediterranean at the IMTM Travel Fair 2017 February 16, 2017
• Australia lowers travel advisory for Sri Lanka February 14, 2017
• Sri Lanka Consulate General in Dubai celebrates 69th Anniversary of the Independence Day of Sri Lanka in grand style February 14, 2017
• United Nations Day of Vesak Celebration 2017 February 14, 2017
• Sri Lanka woos Middle East market at IMTM February 8, 2017
• Sri Lanka - An Island for all Seasons for the wider Latin American Market FITUR, Madrid 2017 January 23, 2017
• Top tourism professional to promote Sri Lanka in Europe January 20, 2017
• Sri Lanka Tourism creates a hallmark at the Vakantiebeurs 2017 January 20, 2017
• German TV crew set to take the Sri Lankan pride to the world January 20, 2017
• 55th visit to Sri Lanka – An amazing land mark to achieve January 17, 2017
• The hottest hotels opening in 2017: From Iceland to India January 6, 2017
• Readers' Choice January 6, 2017
• Where to Go in 2017 January 6, 2017
• The 10 Hottest Travel Destinations of 2017 January 3, 2017
• Tourism Fest concludes becoming a major crowd puller December 29, 2016
• PM kicks off Christmas cheer December 22, 2016
• Sri Lankan spirit showcased in Malaysia December 16, 2016
• Sri Lanka Tourism kicks off an underground campaign in UK Train Stations December 5, 2016
• TT WARSAW – International Travel Show 24 – 26 Nov., 2016 – Warsaw, Poland November 30, 2016
• Business Today interview with Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Mr.Paddy Withana November 25, 2016
• Tourism Fest To Dazzle Colombo November 24, 2016
• Sri Lanka wins ‘’ Best Destination of the Beaten Track ‘’ at the Conde Nast Traveler Middle East Readers ‘Choi November 16, 2016
• Sri Lanka Tourism brings all smiles to a rural school in Habarana November 15, 2016
• Road Shows in Poland, Czech Republic and Hungary on 14th, 16th and 19th Sept., 2016 November 11, 2016
• TTG Incontri Travel Fair A 3 day workshop for Tourism Professionals Rimini, Italy - 13th – 15th Oct., 2016 November 11, 2016
• Sri Lanka shines in UK in WTM November 10, 2016
• Mr. Sutheash Balasubramaniam appointed as new Managing Director of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) November 10, 2016
• WTM 2016 : Elite Traveler Recommends the Best of Sri Lanka November 10, 2016
• Sri Lanka Tourism has been added to the Worldwide Destination Guide November 9, 2016
• Ukraine International Airlines Launches Services To Colombo November 9, 2016
• Congres des Entrepreneurs du Voyage (JEV) bringing Two nations together November 8, 2016
• Oman Travel Agents get a glimpse of Sri Lankan prestige November 7, 2016
• SriLanka Tourism Chairman top priorities are its people, environment, wildlife, culture November 4, 2016
• Sri Lanka to host French Travel agents’ JEV Congress 2016 November 4, 2016
• Inaugural Concert of Sri Lankan Cultural Dancing Shows October 28, 2016
• Sri Lanka Nation Brand records 9% growth in 2016 October 27, 2016
• Sri Lanka wows the Sakura Land at the JATA Tourism Expo at Tokyo Big Sight October 21, 2016
• Sri Lanka featured as a world tourism hotspot at IFTM Top Resa Travel Fair in Paris, France -2016 October 21, 2016
• Sri Lanka to shows prestige in crafts work in India October 17, 2016
• German Tour operators experience the Sri Lankan splendor on Familiarization Tours October 17, 2016
• Sri Lanka Tourism shows local prestige at the OTDYKH Travel Market October 17, 2016
• The Sri Lankan flag flies high in Eastern Europe Road Shows in Poland, Czech Republic and Hungary October 14, 2016
• Sri Lanka makes inroads in Nordic countries October 14, 2016
• Sri Lanka Tourism all set to participate in UK trade road show October 14, 2016
• Familiarization Tour for Key Tour Operators from Germany October 11, 2016
• Strengthening friendships between neighbors to boost the tourism sector September 20, 2016
• Sri Lanka adds color to Kualalumpur at MATTA 2016 September 15, 2016
• Travel bloggers embark on a journey to discover food and adventure in Sri Lanka September 8, 2016
• SLTPB kick-starts Nordic roadshow with success September 7, 2016
• Familiarization Tour of Sri Lanka by Thai Travel Agents September 2, 2016
• Capturing the special moments of the train ride arranged for UNWTO delegates September 2, 2016
• International travel writers, bloggers and electronic media to cover Kandy Perehera September 2, 2016
• 35 Photos that will make you want to travel Sri Lanka August 19, 2016
• Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau organized its first Road Show in Singapore August 1, 2016
• Legendary Ramayana epic will be expected to uplift Indian tourists’ arrival during the period of upcoming Dewali July 26, 2016
• Nuwara Eliya To Host World's Oldest Golf Tournament July 25, 2016
• FAM Tour organized by SLTPB in collaboration with Air India for local press July 18, 2016
• Sri Lanka Tourism won a couple of awards at the 31st Korea World Travel Fair(KOTFA 2016)-South Korea. July 4, 2016
• Conde Nast Traveler named Sigiriya as one The 50 Most Beautiful Places in Asia June 27, 2016
• The hottest hotels in Asia and Australia June 21, 2016
• Seoul Grand Park held the event 'Culture Day with elephants.' June 16, 2016
• The Road Show of Sri Lanka Tourism. June 14, 2016
• Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau focused to promote Buddhist tourism in Thailand June 10, 2016
• SL Tourism at Beijing International Tourism Expo (BITE - 2016) June 9, 2016
• Sri Lanka Tourism has geared up its Visiting Journalist Program to promote Destination Sri Lanka in uprising markets June 6, 2016
• Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion during the Pearl Fishers Opera at the Art Centre in Melbourne on 28th May 2016 June 6, 2016
• Sri lanka Roadshows toast success in Sydney June 1, 2016
• Tea Kiosk at the Bandaranaike International Airport to celebrate Golden Jubilee of Sri Lanka Tourism. June 1, 2016
• Asian & Oceanian Championship 2016 starts in Trincomalee May 31, 2016
• Sri Lanka Tourism celebrates its Golden Jubilee on 27th May 2016 in Colombo May 24, 2016
• Department of Economics, University of Colombo wins Best IFITTtalk 2015 May 24, 2016
• Sri Lanka Tourism launches its Road show promotions from Melbourne May 23, 2016
• Sri Lanka Tourism takes on Brisbane, Australia May 23, 2016
• Sri Lanka Tourism promotes the island as an ideal film destination at Cannes Film Festival May 19, 2016
• Sri Lanka Tourism arrives its 50th year May 12, 2016
• Visit of Mr. Suniel Shetty May 12, 2016
• Buddha Rashmi National Vesak Festival 2016 May 12, 2016
• ATM 2016 – SRI LANKA targets high end tourists from Middle East May 12, 2016
• Sri Lanka Tourism at ATM May 12, 2016
• A unique tea garden to create a value added experience to the tourists during nuwara eliya season May 12, 2016
• Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Mobile Service Goes Online April 18, 2016
• Traditional Avurudu experience at Tourist Information Centre (TIC) in Colombo April 12, 2016
• Sri Lanka at Seatrade Cruise Global 2016, Fort Lauderdale, USA April 7, 2016
• COLOMBO SAESM 2015 April 5, 2016
• Sri Lanka Tourism creates waves in the Russia’s No.1 Travel and Tourism Exhibition - MITT in Moscow March 30, 2016
• Tourism Road Show events to promote Sri Lanka to industry stakeholders of the Benelux region March 30, 2016
• Sri Lanka has released an aggressive island promotion campaign at the beginning of 2016 to attract more French Tourists March 30, 2016
• Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion during the Pearl Fishers Opera at the Opera House in Sydney March 30, 2016
• Tourist Information Counter on board “MS Amsterdam” March 24, 2016
• ITB Spark!!! - Sri Lanka Tourism shines at ITB Berlin 2016 March 23, 2016
• Beeralu lace- handicrafts - Sri Lanka Tourism at London Asia House Design 2016 March 21, 2016
• The “Colombo Bike Week” to boost recreational tourism March 21, 2016
• Quest means Business in Sri Lanka March 21, 2016
• Hon. Ms Iris Gleicke, the State Secretary visits the Sri Lanka stand at ITB March 11, 2016
• Press conference – ITB 2016 March 11, 2016
• Sri Lanka Tourism hits a high note at the Opening ceremony at ITB Berlin 2016 March 11, 2016
• Sri Lanka wins the most popular destination at Tourism at Guangzhou International Travel Fair (GITF) 2016 March 10, 2016
• Sri Lanka Tourism at Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) , Mumbai 2016 March 9, 2016
• Sri Lanka Tourism at ITB Berlin (9-13th March 2016) March 9, 2016
• Sri Lanka Tourism targets Finland market by Participating at MATKA Nordic Travel Fair 2016 in Helsinki, Finland February 25, 2016
• The Young Leaders of the Economic Forum on a journey of Culture and Heritage with Sri Lanka Tourism February 25, 2016
• Taking cultural and religious parades of Sri Lanka to the world February 25, 2016
• Launching a Logo to Celebrate 50th Anniversary of Sri Lanka Tourism February 24, 2016
• Fox News (USA) recommend Destination Sri Lanka February 8, 2016
• TripAdvisor looks forward sustainable tourism Conference on Global Travel Insights February 3, 2016
• Sri Lanka Tourism attracts flourishing number of foreign spectators to 2016 Duruthu Perahera February 3, 2016
• South Asia’s very first Blood Ivory Destruction Event February 2, 2016
• Sri Lanka Tourism links with CITES and industry stakeholders to promote Responsible Wildlife Tourism January 28, 2016
• Sri Lanka Tourism begins the new year 2016, by investing on a lucrative promotional campaign to shine in South Korea January 14, 2016
• ‘Destination Sri Lanka’ at Vakantiebeurs 2016 January 14, 2016
• Dream Trips 2016 recognises “The World's most extraordinary places to add to your travel wish list” January 5, 2016
• Sri LankaTourism poised for sustainable growth... December 31, 2015
• MALINDO AIR LAUNCHES DAILY KL-COLOMBO ROUTE December 30, 2015
• THE NEW YORK POST REVEALS THE TOP HOTELS TO VISIT IN 2016 December 25, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism To Take-off Seasonal Celebrations at the Arcade Independence Square December 15, 2015
• The Kingsbury wins World Luxury Hotel Award November 18, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism showcases at World Travel Mart London with 64 Industry Partners November 6, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism comes board for ITB Asia 2015 Travel Show November 6, 2015
• Austrian Airlines inaugurate flights to Sri Lanka .. November 3, 2015
• Sri Lanka wins hosting French Travel Agents Congress (SNAV) 2016 October 30, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism showcase “One Island, Thousand Treasures” at IFTM Travel Fair Paris , France 2015 …. October 16, 2015
• Tourism Receipts touch $2.1 billion as at end September 2015 October 11, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism launches Community Aid Tourism with Olympic Gold medallion October 9, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism must focus on Asian Tourism as arrivals reach 45% October 8, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism with Pink my Tuk Tuk launch Global Online video competition October 7, 2015
• Scandinavian markets grow by 32%: Sri Lanka Tourism focussed marketing drive October 7, 2015
• Tourism Record in September: arrivals jump 35.9% to cross 1.3 million October 7, 2015
• Elephant Reach Crowned "Best Wildlife Resort" by Lonely Planet Magazine October 5, 2015
• Sri Lanka ride the wave at Japan Tourism Expo 2015 September 30, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism celebrate 'World Tourism Day' to upgrade industry competitiveness September 29, 2015
• The 1st ever Cruise Tourism Marketing Plan presented to the New Tourism Minister September 29, 2015
• Sri Lanka focus on South Korea's 14 million outbound market September 28, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism French Marketing blitz launched September 28, 2015
• World Tourism Day 2015- Sri Lanka Tourism & Colombo University MOU to be inked September 28, 2015
• Sri Lanka - Cultural focus country at Key Italian Travel Fair TTG September 21, 2015
• No 1 GLOBAL SOURCE MARKET: Sri Lanka Tourism launch multi city Road show in Germany September 21, 2015
• Miss England plants the 500,000th in the One Million Tree Story Project September 21, 2015
• Mr and Miss UK commends Sri Lanka- Destination of the Year title: September 17, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism to highlight the 1706th Esala Perahera at Japan JATA World Expo 2015 September 17, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism show at World Scouts Jamboree - Japan September 15, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism take Guinness attempt globally from Russia September 15, 2015
• SRI LANKA CHALLENGED September 15, 2015
• Sri Lanka win the ' Best Stall' - China Xi'an Silk Road Tourism Expo 2015 September 15, 2015
• UK's best selling newspaper picks Sri Lanka- Destination of the year September 12, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism enter China's growing religious tourism business September 3, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism focus on a Indian niche market- IAS officers September 1, 2015
• Sri Lanka passes the Guinness Record for largest Tea Party in Kandy August 31, 2015
• Sri Lanka tourism to auction Ceylon Sapphire at Scandinavia TUR Travel Fair August 31, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism, Tea board and Sri Lankan Airlines quest for Guinness Record August 24, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism focussing on the $92 billion German source market August 24, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism blitz on Sony Six for Sanga Farewell August 21, 2015
• $16.4 million "Monkey Kingdom" launched today in Sri Lanka August 20, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism to take Tea theme at World Travel Mart London 2015 August 19, 2015
• SL Tourism Launch Global Online Video Competition for 365 days holiday August 18, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism selects 8 American kids for tour of “Monkey Kingdom Trail" August 18, 2015
• Sports Tourism is worth $600 billion and Sri Lanka enters with Golf and Surfing August 18, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism to make cruise segment a top 5 earner for Sri Lanka August 14, 2015
• Sri Lanka makes inroad to Indian religious tourism market August 10, 2015
• China as the tops Tourism arrivals in July crossing 25,000 visitors at +65.5% August 10, 2015
• We have to attract the $250 tourist, let's not just chase visitor arrivals August 5, 2015
• Whilst Tea brews for Sri Lanka Tourism - arrivals cross 1 million by July 2015 August 5, 2015
• Sri Lanka Focus On The US$ 2 Billion Whale Watching Bussiness July 31, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism presents Trinco comes alive ! July 30, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism targeting 75,000 travellers from Australia July 28, 2015
• Half Year Tourism earning at $1.3bn - Informal sector continues to drive tourist arrivals July 27, 2015
• “Expo 2015 secure a 53 million Sapphire order for Sri Lanka” - Commissioner General Sri Lanka 2015 July 27, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism launch strong marketing campaign in India July 21, 2015
• Two Sri Lanka Tourism Board members win Outstanding Achievement awards July 14, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism to launch Monkey Kingdom in China July 9, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism search for Top Global Ad agency July 6, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism takes high ground on $40bn Silk Road initiative - Qingdao July 2, 2015
• Sri Lanka wins Best Tourism Pavilion at Beijing International travel Fair !! June 29, 2015
• Tourism Informal sector touching 50% at 7.3mn Guest Nights June 29, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism beat 52 countries to win top award at Global Travel Fair- KOTFA June 25, 2015
• Tourism Promotions Bureau Depoliticized - will work strongly with private sector ! June 24, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism- Air India tap into Trade Tourism June 24, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism to drive Niche Markets in South Korea June 16, 2015
• MISS EARTH ON BOARD THE COLOMBO CITY TOUR June 16, 2015
• Sri Lanka focus on the key market - South Korea worth 14 million travellers June 16, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism - Korean Air joint promotions in South Korean market June 15, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism strengthens ties with Xinhua News Agency June 10, 2015
• University of Sri Jayewardenepura to be the think tank for Sri Lanka Tourism June 9, 2015
• Sri Lanka pavilion at Expo Milano cross 30,000 + visitors! June 8, 2015
• Miss Earth visits Sri Lanka Tourism whilst earnings touch $1billion by April 2015 June 8, 2015
• Miss Earth commends Colombo as top fastest growing tourist cities of 2015 June 8, 2015
• Sri Lanka in a Guinness Record Initiative June 3, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism launch 200 million new brand building strategy June 3, 2015
• 1st time -SL Tourism in Global Cruise push in Busan Korea. June 1, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism practice nation brand building pillar support May 26, 2015
• Expo Milano 2015: Global Endorsement for Sri Lanka May 25, 2015
• 14,270 visitors experience Sri Lankan treasures - Expo 2015 May 20, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism in joint promotion talks with Tourism Maldives May 19, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism- One Island, thousand treasures May 19, 2015
• Sri Lankan Disney Film cross $14.3 million ticket sales in US May 18, 2015
• Grow without hurting the Environment – Sri Lanka ranked low at 103 May 18, 2015
• Private sector thumps up for Tourism strategy May 15, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism wins Global award at Tourism Expo China May 11, 2015
• Sri Lanka - one of the top stalls at Arabian Travel Fair as arrivals surge by 16.4% May 8, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism launch focussed Marketing plan for Italy after a lapse of 2 years May 7, 2015
• $1.3 million charter from Italy - 1st win from Expo 2015 !! May 6, 2015
• Nation Brand building merges to destination marketing in today's digital age May 6, 2015
• Expo 2015 launched: Sri Lanka to connect stronger to the west May 6, 2015
• Chairman unite to power Brand Sri Lanka on a ROI model April 30, 2015
• China offers Sichuan province World Tourism Fair Free for Sri Lanka April 28, 2015
• Sri Lanka to focus on the $2 billion whale watching business April 23, 2015
• Sri Lanka Cruise Tourism doubles - Global Marketing push locked April 22, 2015
• ME grow by 20.1% in Q1- SL Tourism target Riyadh April 22, 2015
• Sri Lanka tea board and Sri Lanka tourism partnership working globally April 21, 2015
• UK grows by 14.8in Q1 - SL Tourism in marketing blitz in Birmingham April 21, 2015
• 441 Australians cruise travelers visit Pinnawala April 21, 2015
• Expo 2015 attracts 200 top SL private sector entities April 21, 2015
• ‘MONKEY KINGDOM’- Sri Lanka in Disney’s Spotlight in the US April 8, 2015
• Carles Puyol attracts 1 million views to Sri Lanka April 7, 2015
• Focussed marketing plan launched for China as arrivals sore by 84.5% April 7, 2015
• Tourist arrivals grow by 18% in March and 1st quarter by 13.6% April 7, 2015
• Sri Lanka exports revving for this year’s historic Milano blitz April 7, 2015
• Lanka’s brand value to reach US$ 79 b in 2015 April 1, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism tie up with National Craft Council for Global Promotions April 1, 2015
• MOU with CCTV mooted by Minister of Tourism April 1, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism Strategy - China 2015 launched with private sector April 1, 2015
• Russia – Sri Lanka Tourism does focussed brand building April 1, 2015
• Sri Lanka Unites – Expo Milano 2015 April 1, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism enters the $40 bn Cruiseline business April 1, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism becomes top 4 at Global Tourism show April 1, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism to focus on Swedish Market with Scene based Marketing April 1, 2015
• Sri Lanka tea board and Sri Lanka tourism partnership working globally April 1, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism to invest Rs.1.2 bn only on trade fairs globally April 1, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism includes Scandinavian countries in focus market drive April 1, 2015
• Sri lanka tourism taps high potential czech republic market April 1, 2015
• Sri Lanka launches new product - Ramanya Trail April 1, 2015
• Recreation Tourism - a new trend globally March 23, 2015
• Tourism "Celebrate Colombo" with Amazing Rides at CFW 2015 March 23, 2015
• Sri Lanka tea board and Sri Lanka tourism partnership working at ITB March 23, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism and Sri Lankan air lines tie up at ITB March 23, 2015
• After 10 years the Tourism hierarchy at ITB March 23, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism to "Celebrate Colombo" at CFW 2015 March 23, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism win at GITF China March 23, 2015
• Sustainability is a way of life for Sri Lanka - Navin March 23, 2015
• German Governemt supports the New government vision March 23, 2015
• New Sri Lanka tourism chief, new spirits- launches new business model March 23, 2015
• “Positive Transformation” - Sri Lanka's theme at ITB 2015 March 8, 2015
• The rescue mission of Dutch couple tells the world how much we care for Foreign Guest March 8, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism and Tea Board in a Rs.1bn tie up March 8, 2015
• UK travellers to woo Sri Lanka as a Weddings & Honeymoons destination March 2, 2015
• Sri Lanka Tourism gathers momentum at key Italian Travel Fair February 26, 2015
• One Million Trees Project February 21, 2015
• Marketing Sri Lanka via Film Tourism February 18, 2015

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), under The Ministry of Tourism and Lands welcomed World's Top Travel Influencer Nusier Yassin also known as ''Nas Daily'’ to promote Sri Lanka as One of Best Travel Destinations in The World to Travel. As part of this exclusive social media-based campaign with Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Nas Daily social platforms where they have over 67 million followers base worldwide, will be posting various destination promotional posts, videos and stories to inspire social media savvy global travelers visit Sri Lanka within upcoming seasons.

Making a statement on Sri Lanka Tourism’s collaboration with Nas Daily, Minister for Tourism and Lands Mr. Harin Fernado stated, key focus of this campaign is to promote destination Sri Lanka via mainstream social media platforms by reaching out to millions of international social media users and creating an excitement and influencing to visit the island within upcoming seasons. Also, this campaign expects to create multiple unique reasons to visit destination Sri Lanka and encourage travelers to come back for more.

Living in the era of digital media, travel influencers have emerged as powerful storytellers by inspiring billions of social media users around the world. Unlike traditional advertising campaigns, influencers marketing campaigns have become a game-changing strategy for destination promotions. Influencers create greater impact on inspiring modern-day travelers by acting as Digital Word of Mouth, while generating long lasting publicity for destinations. Their genuine and personal social media channels provide insights that traditional advertisements can’t replicate, making them a trusted source for travel recommendations. Having average of 500 million views combinedly on social media (Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Tik Tok) Nas Daily reaching up to 3.2 % of global population with 20 billion video impressions and generate 100 % organic views for their creative content. Nas Daily -social media content focused on incredible people, amazing places, unique inventions and impactful initiatives. Nas Daily platforms have over 67 million followers from worldwide. While maintaining over 30 + localize social media channels in different international languages, Nas Daily engage with vast diversity of social media users around the world, including: English, French, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Arabic, Portuguese, Turkey, Thai, etc. Having such a massive global follower base with major focus on segments such as travel, cultural exploration, current affairs and ability in reaching out to geographically diverse regions with different languages and cultures make Nas Daily is exceptional and stand out of all the other social media influencers in the world.

As part of the destination campaign with Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Nas Daily will be creating three unique tourism & related investment focused videos about Sri Lanka along with multiple other social media posts and stories. Over the 4 days compact filming schedule in Sri Lanka SLTPB’s International Media Team has taken Nas Daily Filming Crew to areas covering, Tea Plantations in Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Galle, Hikkaduwa and Colombo. This campaign expects to generate a massive global attention towards Sri Lanka, by highlighting the country as a ‘’Must Visit Destination in The World’. Visiting The Island for the 5 th time, Nuseir Yassin stated that ‘’Sri Lanka is like my second home. I had a great time here in Sri Lanka and definitely coming back for more’’. On his last day in Sri Lanka, Fans’ Meet & Greet was organized at the BMICH and over 500 die-hearted Nas Daily fans were appeared in the afternoon to meet Nuseir Yassin with gifts and Sri Lankan flags. Chairman SLTPB, Mr. Chalaka Gajabahu stated that ‘bringing Nas Daily to Sri Lanka is a great achievement for us on 2023 and this campaign expect a greater promotional milage to our tourism industry as well as to the island as an immediate outcome. This is a part of our integrated tourism promotional campaign where digital media will be paying a grater role by addressing to millions potential travelers in the world’’.

For site suggestions and errors, please contact    |   Please use Downloads page to get the required software for this site   

© 2024 All Rights Reserved by Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.   Solution by : Fortunacreatives -->

Why Sri Lanka Needs to Tell the World It’s Open for Tourism

Peden Doma Bhutia , Skift

March 16th, 2023 at 7:15 AM EDT

Sure, you may have the best tourism products, but what good is a destination if it doesn’t engage with its audience to communicate that?

Peden Doma Bhutia

Having battled political instability and economic crisis, a resilient tourism industry in Sri Lanka now waits for the government to do its bit to communicate to the world that the country is open to tourists.

But not exactly in the critical manner that was deployed by Sri Lankan Tourism Minister Harin Fernando at the recent ITB Berlin conference, where he called Maldives “boring,” without much to offer to tourists, compared to Sri Lanka.

"Visit Sri Lanka, You will not regret" Sri Lankan Tourism Minister @fernandoharin 's message to German tourists at ITB, Berlin pic.twitter.com/u5mCpkzrCl — NewsWire 🇱🇰 (@NewsWireLK) March 11, 2023

Sri Lanka’s last real tourism promotion campaign was 16 years ago.

Through March 13, Sri Lanka welcomed 264,022 visitors this year , with 53,838 visitors arriving in the first 13 days of March.

The country plans to attract 1.55 million visitors in 2023, a target which many feel isn’t a particularly high number given the capacity and potential of the destination.

Rocked by a series of bomb blasts in 2019, Sri Lanka welcomed a little less than 2 million tourists that year, 18 percent lower than its 2018 arrivals of 2.3 million tourists.

Battling an Economic Crisis

Last year from April onwards, the country witnessed a spate of anti-government protests against worsening shortages of food, fuel and medicines and declaration of a state of emergency, in what is said to be the worst economic crisis in the country.

While business has returned in 2023, Malik Fernando managing director of Sri Lanka-based luxury hotel collection Resplendent Ceylon, rued that the country’s inability to market itself has ensured that the number of tourists and the spend are still way lower than usual.

Sri Lanka’s usual core market over the winter season is Europe with longer stays and higher spend.

However, as European travelers are more sensitive to the negative press that the destination received last year, Fernando said the state promotion agency should’ve done more to communicate the return to normalcy.

“Sri Lanka’s last global promotion campaign was in 2007,” Fernando said, while adding that a comprehensive consumer campaign, which was painstakingly finalized during 2021, was then again shelved.

“Since then, the focus has reverted to age-old trade shows without awareness of the need for consumer engagement,” he added.

Travelers Unaware of Sri Lanka’s Tourism Recovery

While the tourism industry in Sri Lanka was the first to be affected by the pandemic and last year’s economic crisis, Gayangi Wirasinha, managing director of Abercrombie & Kent Sri Lanka, said the industry was also the first to recover.

A recovery message that Fernando thinks the country hasn’t been able to communicate as travellers are unaware that normalcy returned as far back as July 2022.

“In Sri Lanka, the tourism sector is predominately driven by private investments with the government authority mostly focused on regulations and marketing in select foreign markets,” Wirasinha said.

Calling rebuilding a communication problem even for the private sector, Fernando said private stakeholders focus more on trade outreach whereas consumer marketing is critical to allay fears after the negative media in the second quarter of 2022.

“A debilitated private sector cannot adequately compensate for a non-performing state marketing agency,” he said.

However, he mentioned that the Sri Lanka Tourism Alliance, founded in 2019 by a group of private sector leaders, has started a marketing campaign with limited budget in European markets.

“The pickup we are starting to see could have started long before had we communicated,” said Fernando.

The Elusive Tourism Marketing Campaign

Utilising the marketing levy collected from private stakeholders, the travel industry in Sri Lanka had expected a digital and marketing campaign to start months ago.

Given the importance of tourism to the economy and livelihoods of 15 percent of the population, Fernando said in future, this “critical function” should be outsourced to a professional outfit.

Tourism has been Sri Lanka’s third-largest foreign exchange-earner in 2019 bringing in an estimated $3.6 billion.

The Sri Lanka government had been planning to launch a $1.3 million-worth global tourism campaign to bring back travellers to the country, according to reports last year.

However, the campaign is yet to see the light of day.

Wirasinha too acknowledged that the campaign that has been under discussion for the past 2-3 years, is long overdue, especially since the funding for such programs comes from the tourism development levy charged to all private stakeholders.

“Careful planning and execution are required to share compelling stories and timely news for travel professionals that will inspire prospects,” she said.

Now, in a recent development, the government said that Sri Lanka would launch tourism promotional campaigns in nine key markets .

The campaigns that are expected to start from April, would include India, Russia, UK, Germany, France, Australia, Middle East, Scandanavia and China.

Markets in Focus

While Russia and India have been key markets in the last couple of months, the low spend has been a talking point in the industry, said Fernando.

Talking about specific markets where Sri Lanka has an enduring appeal and can command a longer length of stay and rewarding spend, Fernando named UK, Europe, U.S, Gulf and Australia.

For Wirasinha, the low-hanging fruit for Sri Lanka would be travelers coming from neighboring Maldives, which is a 60-minute plane ride away.

She added, “The U.S., UK and Europe are all good source markets for family travel, especially now with the strength of the U.S. dollar.”

Sri Lanka was also one of the 20 countries included in the first list of China’s outbound tourism pilot programme for group tours, announced in January.

And even as Sri Lanka attracts a significant number of mid-to-budget-Chinese travellers, Wirasinha said lack of ultra-luxury products has kept the Chinese luxury market away from the destination.

“We see this changing in the next five to seven years as the China Port city project begins operating,” she said.

Change indeed is what the travel industry in Sri Lanka is looking forward to.

And while the country looks to bring back its days of tourism glory, Fernando observed, “A state agency is woefully geared to conduct modern tourism marketing, competing with destinations that have sophisticated strategies outsourced to professionals.”

Skift India Report

India is booming. Discover the subcontinent’s most important travel news here every Tuesday-Thursday.

Have a confidential tip for Skift? Get in touch

Tags: asia monthly , coronavirus recovery , economic downturn , india outbound , maldives , marketing strategy , sri lanka

Photo credit: Sri Lanka targets to welcome 1.55 million visitors this year. vined mind / pixabay

• Tourism News
• Tourism Development Levy
• Sri Lanka Tourist Attractions

Sri Lanka Tourism Strategic Plane 2017 - 2020

Download Application

English Application

Sinhala application, tamil application, sltda wins the merit award at the 2023 bestweb.lk competition, august 14, 2023.

SLTDA enters into a MoU with NDB Bank to launch a Travel Card

February 26, 2023.

Tourist can top up the card using Forex and start using it at SLTDA registered merchants to enjoy attractive benefits. This will help to ease the country’s economy and bring in a percentage of Forex into the formal channel and both tourist and industry will benefit hrough safe, transparent transactions, with low commission rates. Also it will enable industry to better craft the products according to expenditure patterns.

Design Guideline for the Tourist Accommodation Facilities

July 12, 2022.

The Design Guideline incorporates a set of instructions aiming to help designers via the consolidation of already existing national design regulations and standards and best international practices in one single document.  These sets of instructions are intended to cover the minimum design requirements for tourist accommodation facilities to help designers and builders to create facilities that are functional and aesthetic to tourists, all while leaving space for designers to come up with innovative and creative ideas. 

Sri Lanka Convention Bureau joins with Business Chambers & Associations to resume MICE Tourism.

August 25, 2021.

Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) is a state institute under the Ministry of Tourism with the prime objective of promoting Sri Lanka as a venue for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions & Events) activities.

Sri Lanka Tourism launches membership drive for informal sector supported by Australia’s MDF

August 11, 2021.

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), with the support from Market Development Facility (MDF), Australia’s flagship private sector development program, has launched a membership drive to encourage informal sector tourism operators to register with SLTDA. The membership drive was launched recently with a trilingual video series featuring celebrated cricket legend Kumar Sangakkara.

Sri Lanka Tourism attracts over $950 Million in tourism investments despite Pandemic

August 09, 2021.

Foreign investment is a key driver of economic growth, as is the revenue generated via tourism. As one of its primary exports, tourism remains Sri Lanka’s calling card to the world. Over the last fifteen months (March 2020-June 2021) the government has attracted over $950 million in investments, dedicated to revitalising the island’s burgeoning tourism sector.

Sri Lanka Tourism in partnership with UNDP in Sri Lanka take forward National Sustainable Destination Certification (NSDC) as the 2nd phase of the National Sustainable Tourism Initiative.

August 02, 2021.

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Ministry of Tourism with the technical and financial assistance of UNDP in Sri Lanka has initiated the National Sustainable Destination Certification (NSDC) scheme to transform 9 chosen destinations in 9 provinces with the best sustainable practices as the 2nd phase of the National Sustainable Tourism Initiative.

Sri Lanka Tourism introduces an e-learning platform for all SLTDA registered tourist guides

July 29, 2021.

As an initiative to uplift the reviving tourism industry in the country, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority in collaboration with Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management (SLITHM) have introduced the continuous professional development (CPD) e- learning platform to all registered guides to enhance their knowledge and skills.

World Bank Webinar on Tourism Sustainability and Resilience features Sri Lanka Tourism

July 28, 2021.

Tourism is a key source of export revenues and employment for the Island and Sri Lanka Tourism recognising the potential for the sector, is focused on developing new products, exploring new markets, and positioning Sri Lanka as the ultimate experiential destination. The Authorities further understand that whilst there are emerging opportunities for growth, it is important to recognize the vulnerability of the sector and strategise on mechanisms to champion resilience and sustainability, with the assistance of Global partners such as the World Bank. Sri Lanka’s tourism product is based largely on natural resources, and it would be detrimental to the industry if proper practices and controls are not followed to ensure the sustenance of the sector.

Press Statement : Opening Yala National Park on 8th June 2021

June 06, 2021.

Our attention has been drawn to certain social media posts being widely circulated in the public domain where reference is drawn to tourists brought in by certain individuals.The posts referred to are devoid of truth. We note the wide publicity given to such false posts. There is no such request nor approval given. The ability to visit a ‘Tourist Site’ requires the approval of the respective Line Agency. In this case the Wildlife Department. In the event the Line Agency approves only, can Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority grant approval to visit a site. In this regard we have not received any such request to seek approval to visit Yala National Park.

Sri Lanka Tourism to participate in Sri Lanka Investment Forum (SLIF)

June 05, 2021.

Sri Lanka Tourism will be one of the key sectors highlighted at the upcoming Sri Lanka Investment Forum (SLIF) 2021, the first and largest virtual investor forum in the region scheduled to be held from 7th to 9th June 2021. Opportunities for investments in the tourism sector will be one of the key areas of the forum among 50+ sessions scheduled to reach across two time zones. Sri Lanka Tourism is participating in the forum to promote and position the island as the perfect destination for post-Covid travel and thereby attract foreign direct investors.

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority approves Bolagala Floating Agro Tourism Resort in Katana – a novel Agro Tourism concept.

March 24, 2021.

Bolagala Floating Agro Tourism Resort in Katana located close to the Negombo tourism hub will be the newest addition to the inventory of unique experiences for tourists visiting Sri Lanka. This is the first-ever floating resort in Sri Lanka created adopting an agro-tourism theme consists of 50 floating cabanas, including 10 GPS tracker equipped cabanas that could freely move around the picturesque lake giving visitors an exceptional experience: floating swimming pool, floating restaurant, main restaurant, pub & karaoke lounge, underwater spa, gym are the main components of the project.

SLTDA streamlines the tourism investment approval process with one common application collaborating 18 line agencies.

October 08, 2020.

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has made the tourism investment process easy by streamlining the project approval process and the facilitation services provided by the Investor Relations Unit (IRU) - the unit established within SLTDA as the centralized facilitation arm for tourism investments in the country.

Sri Lanka Tourism and Australia’s MDF to develop five-year plan to transform tourism research

October 06, 2020.

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and Australia’s Market Development Facility (MDF) have joined hands to develop a research roadmap to facilitate Sri Lanka’s position as Asia’s foremost tourism destination....

Press Release: Sri Lanka receives Safe Travels Stamp from World Travel & Tourism Council.

August 20, 2020.

Recognizing the safety protocols introduced by the Government of Sri Lanka along with standards mandated by Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA)to ensure the safety of domestic and international travelers.....

Search form

• Vision, Mission & Values
• Corporate Structure
• Principal Officers
• Departments
• Bank Headquarters
• Regional Offices
• Library & Information Center
• Centre For Banking Studies
• The Economic History Museum of Sri Lanka

Exter Report

• Economic and Price Stability
• Monetary Policy Framework
• Policy Rates and Open Market Operations
• Statutory Reserve Requirement
• Other Policy Instruments
• Monetary Policy Committee
• Stakeholder Engagement Committee
• Monetary Policy Announcement Dates
• Monetary Policy Advance Release Calendar

Monetary Policy Review

• Major Functions
• Banking Sector
• Non Bank Finance and Leasing Sector
• Primary Dealers
• Microfinance Sector
• Money Broking Industry
• Macroprudential Surveillance
• Sustainable Finance
• Financial Markets Overview
• Interbank Call money Market
• Domestic Foreign Exchange Market
• Government Securities Market
• Corporate Debt Securities Market
• Equity Market
• Development Finance and Access to Finance
• Payment and Settlement Systems
• Credit Information
• Laws and Regulations
• Financial Instuments Overview
• Financial System Stability Committee
• Financial System Oversight Council
• Financial Stability Review

• Current Note Series
• Coins in Circulation
• Commemorative Coins and Notes
• Security Features of Notes
• Currency Management
• History of Currency in Sri Lanka
• Public Currency Exchange Counter

Currency Museum

• Unfit, Altered and Mutilated Bank Notes
• Exchanging Damaged Notes
• Counterfeit Prevention
• Using Bank Note Images
• More Information

• Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act
• Monetary Law Act
• Non-Banking
• Micro Finance
• Foreign Exchange
• Employee Provident Fund (EPF)
• International Operations
• Payments and Settlements
• Domestic Operations
• Public Debt
• Deposit Insurance and Resolution
• Financial Consumer Protection
• Finance Company
• Leasing Establishment
• Primary Dealer
• Consultation Papers for Public Comments
• Real Sector
• External Sector
• Fiscal Sector
• Monetary Sector
• Financial Sector
• Daily Price Report
• Daily Indicators
• Weekly Indicators
• Monthly Indicators
• Monthly Bulletin
• Monthly Trade Bulletin
• Macroeconomic Chart Pack
• Sri Lanka Prosperity Index
• Workers' Remittances and Labour Migration
• Gross Domestic Product
• Purchasing Managers' Index
• Business Outlook Survey
• Survey on Credit Supply
• Condominium Market Survey
• SDDS National Summary Data
• Economic Data Library
• External Sector Performance
• Open Market Operations
• Purchasing Managers Index Survey
• Non-Bank Financial Institutions
• Government Securities
• Press Conferences

• Monetary Policy Report
• Annual Economic Review
• Financial Statements and Operations
• Annual Report
• Financial Soundness Indicators
• Recent Economic Developments
• Central Bank of Sri Lanka Balance Sheet
• Other Financial Publications
• News Survey
• Econ-Icon Quiz Program
• Thakshilawa
• Statistical Publications
• Payments Bulletin
• Staff Studies
• Research Conference Proceedings
• Financial Inclusion
• Public Awareness
• Other Publications
• Conferences, Seminars and Workshops
• Information Series

You are here

External sector performance - april 2024.

Exports increased more than imports (y-o-y), reducing the trade deficit in April 2024. However, cumulative trade deficit for Jan-Apr 2024 widened.

The momentum in tourism continues, though tourist arrivals slowed in April 2024 in line with the seasonal pattern.

Inflows to the other services sectors also remained strong in the first four months of 2024.

Workers’ remittances continued to contribute notably to the external current account and forex market liquidity.

Foreign investment outflows from the government securities (G-Sec) market continued in April 2024.

Gross Official Reserves stood at US$ 5.5 billion at end April 2024, recording over US$ 1 billion increase from end 2023.

The Sri Lanka rupee remained appreciated during the year up to end May 2024.

Published Date: 

• Right to Information
• Forms & Downloads
• Tender Notices

More Services

• Employees' Provident Fund
• Public Debt Management
• Department of Foreign Exchange
• Center for Banking Studies
• Financial Intelligence Unit
• Regional Offices of CBSL

Useful Sites

• Ministry of Finance
• Department of Census and Statistics
• Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka
• International Monetary Fund
• Colombo Stock Exchange
• Credit Information Bureau

© Central Bank of Sri Lanka, 2018. All Rights Reserved

Designed and Developed by IT Department, CBSL

• Default Style
• Green Style
• Orange Style

Sri Lanka Tourism

World’s Best Countries To Visit In Your Lifetime, 2024

Who doesn’t love the idea of exploring new places and meeting new people? I’m sure everyone does! Your choice of destination may depend Continue Reading

Sri Lanka: The ultimate far East passover destination

Unveiling Sri Lanka: Discover a surge in Israeli tourism to this diverse Far East gem, with insights on attractions, culture, airlines, and surfing Continue Reading

Sri Lanka Seasonality in tourism A Roadmap for Sustainable Tourism Growth in Sri Lanka

Understanding Seasonality in Sri Lanka Sri Lanka’s tourism is significantly impacted by weather patterns driven by two monsoon seasons: Southwest Monsoon (May to Continue Reading

Sri Lanka: Embarking on a Journey of Sustainable Tourism

Sri Lanka, the resplendent island nation nestled in the Indian Ocean, enchants travelers with its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking wildlife. Continue Reading

Sri Lanka Tourism Sees Strong Tourist Influx in February

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is showing positive signs of recovery, with February recording the highest daily tourist arrivals (over 10,000) since the COVID-19 Continue Reading

Sri Lanka’s Tourism Recovery: Insights from August 2023

Unlocking Sri Lanka’s Tourism Potential: August 2023 Insights Exploring Sri Lanka’s Tourism Revival and Future Prospects In August 2023, Sri Lanka’s tourism industry Continue Reading

Digital Nomad Visa to boost tourism industry

Minister of Public Security, Tiran Alles, has taken swift action following Cabinet approval of a groundbreaking visa scheme aimed at attracting a key Continue Reading

Sri Lanka targets 1.55 million tourists in 2023 led by India

Sri Lanka is expecting 1.55 million tourists in 2023 led by visitors from India, Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Priyantha Fernando Continue Reading

The Independent UK – The best destinations to travel to in 2023

A new year can only mean one thing for The Independent’s travel desk: a new list of dream destinations that we’re planning trips Continue Reading

Travel and leisure Asia’s 23 Best Destinations to Travel In 2023 -Ella Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, also known as the Emerald Isle, is blessed with nature’s bounty. While most travellers visit its seaside towns, a foray into Continue Reading

Subscribe to News via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this News and receive notifications of latest news by email.

Email Address

© 2024 www.lankatourismnews.com

I tried Sri Lanka’s brand new highland hiking trail – here’s why you should follow me

“Just here?” The tuktuk driver seems doubtful.

Why were these two foreigners abandoning his vehicle on the corner of a steep, single-track road by the rusting, rattling hulk of a derelict tea factory?

We pay the agreed price to convey us from Ohiya station down a largely broken, bumpy road and wave him goodbye. He sputters off, clearly thinking we’re mad.

But we are, according to the map we have downloaded, exactly where we want to be: at the starting point of stage 12 of the Pekoe Trail. And there is no one else here.

After a week of finding ourselves on the conveyor belt of Sri Lanka’s tourist hotspots , we had stepped off and away, pitching up in the small, scruffy hilltop town of Haputale with the beguiling prospect of walking some of Sri Lanka’s first long distance hiking trail.

The Pekoe Trail started as the hobby of Miguel Cuñat, a Spanish-born resident of Sri Lanka for over two decades. In between putting together high-end itineraries and guiding wealthy clients to the more exclusive parts of the island, he loved nothing more than escaping to the cooler uplands and seeking out places to hike.

Sri Lanka’s highlands are where, in the late 19th century, entrepreneurial Englishman with names like Taylor and Lipton took over from the beleaguered coffee farmers who had lost everything to coffee blight and started growing tea instead. Tea remains the crop that dominates this region still: low, tightly planted bushes, transforming the steep, rugged landscapes into a rolling sea of pillowy green.

The plantations, Cuñat realised, provided a network of already established routes, connecting the harvested crop with roads and railways. What if they could be linked together, creating one long trail? The area is already famed for the dramatically beautiful railway journey that links Kandy with Ella and the “little England” of Nuwara Eliya, but rather than watching this beguiling landscape slip serenely past a train window, would people take the chance to experience it in a slower, more immersive way if they could? 

It was an idea which, if dwelt upon too long, would probably never have gone any further. The obstacles were many. Multiple landowners, both government and private, needed to agree for an official trail to cut through their land.

Sri Lanka’s rains between May and September and again in December, are often heavy enough to cause landslides that wash away large swathes of hillside, and always trigger a furious growth spurt in the already verdant vegetation. Who would be responsible for the constant maintenance the route would demand?

And even if the estate owners allowed the use of the tracks that ran through their plantations, there were still large areas that needed to be explored and possibly cleared to fulfil Miguel’s vision of linking one end of the highlands with the other.

But the idea had taken hold, and with the often tireless help of many local guides and expert machete-wielders, the trail started to emerge, bit by bit. It wove its way from the slopes south of Kandy, through Indiana Jones country ( The Temple of Doom features scenes filmed against the dramatic backdrop of the earliest part of the trail), following sandy tracks running through small communities, linking bustling market towns, bus routes and railway stations.

It climbed to breath-taking viewpoints, cut through forests, past shrines and temples, village cricket pitches, rice paddies, vegetable gardens and farms. And as the 185 mile (300km) route unfurled, Miguel realised that what was being created was more than a walk. It was a means to bring opportunity and economic benefit to people bypassed by tourism.

We follow our map back up the road, flanked by vivid spikes of purple flowers, stone walls and wide blue-green views over peaks and valleys. We pass the figures of tea pickers, sacks hanging down their backs from their foreheads, swift-fingered and sharp-eyed, moving methodically between the waist-high bushes.

A narrow path leads us away from the road into deeper countryside and from here we enter the fragrant, rustling shade of a eucalyptus plantation. 

We follow the contour of the hill around the ruins of an abandoned village, plunge into the shadows cast by tight-knit lofty pines, planted, like the eucalyptus, to fuel the tea factories. A scramble over fallen trunks brings us to the plantation edge and below us curves the railway line we took earlier.

A series of hooting whistles announces the imminent arrival of the train and we wait to see it come into view, chuffing sweetly beneath us, its rust red carriages sweeping around the curve of the hillside and away.

Soon afterwards we are on that same railway track, giggling as we struggle to match our stride with the distance between sleepers, feeling like naughty children doing what we have firmly been told never to do. But railway tracks double as footpaths all over rural Sri Lanka, which is why trains obligingly make their approach known so far in advance.

We join locals walking from the station along the tracks towards their homes. A cheerful group of men clearing vegetation along the line with long-handled sickles assure us it is fine to walk through the tunnel ahead. As a couple of them are unconcernedly munching roti whilst squatting in the middle of the track, we take their word for it.

The latter part of the walk follows paths through tea estates. Hillsides tamed and terraced and so uniformly green, it was like looking at an installation by the artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude, who famously wrapped landscapes and landmark buildings in fabric. We walk alongside women emerging from the fields with bulging sacks on their backs to the weighing stations. 

At just over 13 miles (21.5 km) this section of the trail is one of the longest. “I wanted to make it possible for people to complete each section in a morning, before it gets really hot,” explained Miguel. “And also to have time to do other things in a day, not just have to walk. But of course it is possible to walk more than one section in a day, if you want to.” 

The following day we walk from our guesthouse to the forest on the edge of Haputale, and climb steadily via wide panoramas, soaring eagles and troops of macaques, to the tea-workers’ village of St Catherine, heralded by a hand-painted sign declaring “The Best View Comes After the Hardest Climb”. We add an extra climb by heading on to Lipton’s Seat where the Glaswegian, whose name is synonymous with tea to this day, would sit and survey his empire.

A Tuktuk bumps us back down the long road to Haputale. Sri Lanka’s ubiquitous three-wheelers make it very easy for walkers of the Pekoe Trail to base themselves in one place for a few days to walk a number of sections, without the need to carry luggage or move accommodation every day. Trains and Tuktuks and the helpful guidance of the owner of our guesthouse allow us to walk sections 12-15 – two short sections which we joined together – from Haputale. Section 15 brings us, via the iconic Ella Rock down into Ella, our new base, whilst our luggage travels by Tuktuk and meets us there.

Miguel’s hope that the trail could open up opportunity and bring prosperity to communities along it is, even in these very early days, starting to be realised. And it comes at a crucial time for Sri Lanka. Beneath the thin patina of warm smiles and welcome drinks is a country struggling to raise itself off its knees. 

Tourism, which built steadily until 2018, crashed following the terrorist attacks on Easter Day 2019, and the pandemic which followed reduced numbers even further. The EU and USAID have recognised the potential of the Pekoe Trail and, as part of a tourism resilience programme, have helped fund the administrative process of making the trail official, training for guides and business start-ups such as homestays. Sections 1 and 2 are waymarked and officially open, but waymarked or not, the trail exists, testimony to one man’s brave and beautiful vision, his love of his adopted country and its people. 

We walked 9 of the trail’s 22 sections. Each one had its own character, its own charms and challenges. We had days of blistering sunshine, followed by days of gusting winds and low cloud and drizzle that was not unlike being in the Brecon Beacons (with added leeches). We saw barking deer skulking in the shadows, heard shy hellos from children and sustained ourselves on coconuts, egg roti and stumpy sweet bananas.

The walk was an ever-changing mosaic of colour, sound and beauty. This is Sri Lanka as seen on foot – off the beaten track but on a trail of wonders.

Kate Humble travelled as a guest of Wild Frontiers , which offers a 15-day itinerary including walking sections of the Pekoe Trail from £2,559 per person, including transfers, some meals and accommodation, but excluding international flights.

The best time to walk the Pekoe Trail is between January and April and September to November. The terrain is varied and good hiking shoes or boots are recommended. Walkers should carry sunscreen, insect repellent, water and a hat. A light waterproof jacket might be advisable, as the weather can be changeable. Vegetation can be overgrown in some sections of the trail and you may encounter leeches, particularly when the trail is wet. 

Waymarking of the trail is a work in progress. At the time of writing only the first two sections had been waymarked. Trail routes are available on the Wikiloc App, but approved guides are also listed on the Pekoe Trail website , as well as practical information and suggestions for accommodation.

Sign up to the Front Page newsletter for free: Your essential guide to the day's agenda from The Telegraph - direct to your inbox seven days a week.

SRI LANKA TOURISM

Country depends on tourism; 60 pc people come from India: Sri Lankan MP V Radhakrishnan

Sri Lankan MP V Radhakrishnan said that tourism is a major reason for the two nations' positive ties. Sri Lanka is reliant on travel. About 60% of the population is Indian. Sri Lanka is now experiencing economic growth. In the future, the two nations ought to collaborate, particularly in the travel and tourist sector."

PhonePe UPI payments launched in Sri Lanka

The transactions will be facilitated by the UPI and LankaPay National Payment Network. Users can scan LankaQR code to make secure and quick payments without carrying cash or calculating currency conversions. The amount will be debited in Indian currency, showing the currency exchange rate.

Maldives gets IMF debt warning as more Chinese loans loom

Maldives warned by IMF of 'debt distress' due to heavy borrowing from China. Urgent need to increase revenue, reduce spending, and limit external borrowing to avoid economic crisis amid high risks and dependence on Chinese funding.

Sri Lanka extends visa-free access for Indian tourists

Sri Lanka has renewed visa-free entry for tourists from India and six other countries to boost tourism industry recovery post-pandemic and economic crises. The initiative aims to enhance accessibility and convenience for international travelers, signaling the government's commitment to promoting tourism and creating seamless travel experiences. Online visa application process introduced for security checks.

No Indian firms involved in providing 'Visa on Arrival' at Colombo airport: High Commission

The High Commission of India in Sri Lanka refuted claims blaming an "Indian company" for visa issuance problems at the Bandaranaike International Airport. They clarified that the companies involved are not India-based, dismissing any association with India. Sri Lankan immigration authorities regained control of the 'Visa on Arrival' counters at the Colombo International Airport after the Indian firm allegedly failed to operate smoothly.

India sends holy Sarayu water to Sri Lanka for consecration ceremony of Seetha Amma temple

India sends sacred water from Sarayu river to Sri Lanka for Seetha Amma Temple's consecration, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations. The ceremony signifies the spiritual and cultural bond between the two nations, with Mahant Shashikant Das praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's contributions.

ITC exploring hotel business expansion opportunity in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Middle East

Chairman and managing director Sanjiv Puri said ITC is looking to add more than 70 hotels over the next five years in India, mostly through management contracts. Its next greenfield hotel property will open in the coastal city of Puri in Odisha.

Sri Lanka launches new e-visa system: Everything you need to know

Sri Lanka launched an e-visa system, streamlining the visa application process for travellers. The initiative offers updated requirements, fees, and validity periods, enhancing efficiency and convenience for various nationalities visiting for tourism, business, or transit.

Keep the juggernaut rolling

The state has nearly bridged the gap with the national per-capita income. In 2003, its per-capita income was 60% of the national average, and today, it's close to 90%. This convergence was possible as Odisha's economy grew faster (7.4%) than the national average (6.2%). Its population growth rate has slowed to 0.6% a year, compared to 0.9% for the nation.

Cricket tourism and hospitality takes off in the US

Founded by an Indian-American couple from Bihar, Florida-based Cricketbuster is trying to capture this "cricket mania" among the Indian-American population and those from the cricket-playing nations by offering them customisable travel packages that include official match tickets, hotels, flights, cruises and many other attractions for international cricket tournaments and the all-important T20 leagues all across the world.

21 Indians detained in Sri Lanka for working illegally while on tourist visa

Sri Lankan authorities have detained 21 Indian nationals for running a computer-operated business illegally while on tourist visas. The men, aged 24 to 25, were found in Negombo, operating a business from a rented house. They have been moved to a detention center and face deportation once investigations are completed.

Tourism just joined military-industry

Army Polygon, a St Petersburg-based company, invites Indian tourists to experience military tourism with amphibious armored personnel carriers and T-62 tanks. This caters to the increasing demand for bespoke adventures. However, tourists should be aware of the risks and consider life insurance.

Sri Lanka's tourism sector sees 122 per cent growth in Jan 2024 compared to last year, says minister

Sri Lanka's external sector performance has improved, with tourism revenue increasing by 122% in January 2024. The economy recorded positive growth in the third quarter of 2023. Inward remittances from Sri Lankan expats grew by 5%. The Sri Lankan rupee appreciated by 14.6% in January, and foreign reserves increased to USD 4.5 billion.

Military tourism to Arabian winter, travel goes offbeat

Army Polygon, a company specializing in military-style events, is aiming to attract Indian travellers for military tourism this year. The company is working on partnerships with Indian travel companies to offer programs such as a ride on a real reconnaissance vehicle, BTR-80, or T-62 tanks. The Saudi Tourism Authority is also promoting attractions such as a private tour in Hegra, an Arabian winter with snowfall in the northern region of Saudi, and scaling the Al Qarah mountain.

Visa-free locales top Indians' list for a foreign holiday

Sri Lanka and Thailand have seen a significant increase in bookings since offering visa exemptions. The holiday season saw a spike in bookings for visa-free destinations. Governments are considering easing visa restrictions to further boost growth in the tourism sector.

PM Modi describes UPI as ‘Uniting partners with India’ as UPI services launched in Sri Lanka & Mauritius

India extends its Unified Payment Interface (UPI) and RuPay card services to Sri Lanka and Mauritius, showcasing its leadership in the Indian Ocean Region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the modern digital connectivity's significance in strengthening historical relations. Highlighting India's "neighbourhood first" policy and maritime vision "SAGAR," Modi emphasized peace, security, and development. The move aims to boost tourism and deepen economic ties, reflecting success in Global South cooperation. This expansion benefits Indian nationals traveling to Sri Lanka and Mauritius and vice versa, enhancing financial connectivity and people-to-people linkages.

Sri Lanka mulls extension of visa-free access to Indian tourists

Sri Lanka is considering extending the visa exemption status for Indian tourists, aiming to establish itself as an easily accessible destination. The move comes as the country seeks to increase footfalls and streamline travel processes.

Why are tourists not visiting Goa? Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho reveals two key reasons

Goa's Transport Minister, Mauvin Godinho, acknowledges tourists' concerns about the high costs associated with the destination. Speaking to taxi operators, he urges reconsideration of fare structures, highlighting the overall high pricing in Goa's tourism sector, including hotels and taxis. Godinho emphasizes the impact of increased airline rates, making foreign destinations more cost-effective. Concerned about Goa losing its appeal, he calls for industry stakeholders to reflect on the situation collectively.

More visa-free travel for Indians is good for Goa, too

Visa-free entry is a carrot to expand the $28 billion that 27 million Indians spent overseas in 2019. Those numbers had swelled eightfold and sixfold, respectively, in the two decades before the pandemic.

Indian travellers can visit Sri Lanka visa-free, stay for up to a month

This initiative, following a Cabinet decision in October, extends to travelers from other key countries, including China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand. The decision to provide free tourist visas is part of ongoing efforts to rejuvenate Sri Lanka's tourism, which faced a decline following the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings.

Vietnam may be the latest country to let Indians visit visa-free

Starting from mid-August, Vietnam began issuing e-visas for individuals from all countries and territories, providing a validity period of 90 days and allowing multiple entries. For citizens from the 13 countries exempted from visa requirements, there has been a threefold extension in the duration of stay, now set at 45 days.

FM Nirmala Sitharaman calls on companies to drive India-Lanka economic integration

FM suggested that Sri Lanka explore the feasibility of widening its economic basket from just tourism and tea to focus on sectors like pharmaceuticals and renewable energy, according to a post by the Indian finance ministry on X (formerly Twitter). The minister was speaking on the theme of 'Enhancing Connectivity: Partnering for Prosperity' at the India Sri Lanka Business Summit in Colombo late Thursday.

Visa-free travel: 10 spots in Sri Lanka you can't miss

"Important milestone in strengthening our relations": PM Modi at launch of ferry services between India, Sri Lanka

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the launch of ferry services between Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu and Kankesanthurai in Sri Lanka as a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral relations. The ferry service, flagged off by Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, aims to enhance connectivity, trade, tourism, and people-to-people ties between the two countries.

Sri Lanka introduces Digital Nomad Visa

Sri Lanka has approved the Digital Nomad Visa, which is expected to boost tourism in the country. To be eligible for the visa, applicants must have a minimum monthly income of $2,000, which should be channeled through the Sri Lankan banking system. The visa can be renewed annually with a minimum bank balance requirement.

On Ramayana trail, young Indians help revive tourism in crisis-hit Sri Lanka

India is the largest tourist source market for Sri Lanka, which is yet to recover from its worst financial crisis in decades that pushed it to bankruptcy status last year. The country received 720,000 tourists last year and the target is to get 1.55 million tourists.

India-Sri Lanka Joint Committee discusses resumption of ferry services

The Joint Committee identified a number of areas for mutual cooperation for the operationalisation of ferry services in the near future and desired to take further steps based on mutual understanding, a statement said.

India now biggest source market for Sri Lanka tourism

"India has been the biggest source market. Even going back in time, every time we have had a crisis, when we have come to a real crunch, it is India that has come to our rescue. At the moment the top markets are India and Russia. UK was a very big market. Hopefully, it should come back," Chalaka Gajabahu, chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) said.

India biggest source market, likely to stay so for next couple of years: Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau

Gajabahu said the country has already got over 600,000 incoming tourists till June 30. "Our last year's overall figure was 720,000. Our target is to get 1.55 million tourists. 2018 was the best year in terms of travel for us as we got 2.3 million tourists. If we can get close to 2 million, it will be a massive recovery for us," he said.

• WEB STORIES New
• ENTERTAINMENT
• CAREER & CAMPUS
• INFOGRAPHICS
• T20 World Cup 2024

• Manorama Online
• Manorama News TV
• ManoramaMAX
• Radio Mango
• Subscription

IRCTC launches seven-day tour package to Sri Lanka

Bringing cheer to those who are planning a trip to Sri Lanka, the Indian Railway Catering Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has rolled out a week-long travel package from July 14 to the teardrop-shaped island. The tour will be a golden opportunity to walk through the trails of the ancient epic Ramayana and explore other tourist spots in Sri Lanka. The package will take the tourists from Colombo to the snow-capped Nuwara Eliya mountains. The flight from Kochi, which departs at 10.20 am, will reach Sri Lanka at 11.30 am on July 14. The tourists will first visit the Manavari Munneswaram Temple, which is on the way to Dambulla, where they will stay for the night. The second day kicks off with a tour of the Sigiriya Fort and the Dambulla Cave Temple. Later, the travellers can offer prayers at the Thiru Koneswaram Temple and the Sree Lakshmi Narayana Perumal Temple.

The visitors can explore Kandy on the third day. First, they will be taken to the Royal Botanical Gardens and Peradeniya. The itinerary includes a visit to the Kandy cultural exhibition and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. The fourth day of the package starts by offering prayers at the Bahiravakanda Buddha Statue. The afternoon is packed with visits to the Ramboda Hanuman Temple and the tea factory in Nuwara Eliya. The fifth day is dotted with trips to Gayatri Peedam, Sita Amman Temple, Gregory Lake and the Divurumpola Temple. After visiting the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, the tourists will travel to the capital city of Colombo where they will visit the Panchamukha Anjaneya Temple and the Kelaniya Buddha Temple. As part of the Colombo city tour, the tourist will get an opportunity to see the Clock Tower Light House, Galle Face, Colombo Harbour, Beira Lake, Independence Square, National Museum and Nelum Pokuna Theatre and Town Hall. The next day the tourists will board the flight to Kochi.

During the seven-day tour, the travellers can visit all the tourist spots and the spiritual and pilgrimage centers associated with the ancient Indian epic Ramayana. The package includes round-trip air tickets, food, three-star accommodation, AC vehicles, entry tickets, visa expenses, an English-speaking tour guide, travel insurance and tax. The package starts from Rs 66,400 and for more details contact IRCTC at 8287932082.  

Luxury box to be introduced for this year's Nehru Trophy Boat Race: Ticket price and more

Air India, Delhi Metro offer baggage drop services for international travellers

UAE visiting visa: Airlines give strict directions to comply with rules

DiscoverEU: Free passes for youth to travel across Europe

Head to the Parisons Luxury Estate Bangalow in Thalappuzha to enjoy monsoons amidst nature

Just two buses connect the busy Kochuveli railway station to Thampanoor: Why?

European Entry and Exit System to be launched soon: Know these guidelines

Monsoon schedule for trains on Konkan rail route released

• Environment
• Road to Net Zero
• Art & Design
• Film & TV
• Music & On-stage
• Pop Culture
• Fashion & Beauty
• Home & Garden
• Things to do
• Combat Sports
• Horse Racing
• Beyond the Headlines
• Trending Middle East
• Business Extra
• Culture Bites
• Year of Elections
• Pocketful of Dirhams
• Books of My Life
• Iraq: 20 Years On

Sri Lanka hope to put travel nightmare behind them in T20 World Cup clash with Bangladesh

Islanders look to bounce back from heavy defeat to south africa in opening match.

South Africa batters Heinrich Klaasen, left, and David Miller celebrate after beating Sri Lanka by six wickets in the T20 World Cup match at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in Westbury, New York, on June 3, 2024. AP

After a woeful start to their T20 World Cup campaign, Sri Lanka will be under immense pressure when they face Bangladesh in a must-win game at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, Texas, on Saturday.

They were shot out for a record low score of 77 in their tournament opener against South Africa at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York after what was a chaotic build-up to the tournament.

That result came on the back of a torrid itinerary that has left Sri Lanka bedraggled and underprepared. Sri Lanka are one of two nations that have been asked to play their first-round matches at four different venues. The Netherlands are the other, out of the 20 participating teams.

Wanindu Hasaranga’s men played their two warm-up matches in Florida and had to travel for their opening World Cup game to New York, where they encountered a flight delay of over seven hours.

They were supposed to arrive in New York by 8pm on Friday, but eventually touched down at 5am the following morning, and as a result were forced to cancel their scheduled morning batting practice session.

Adding to their struggles, the team was booked in a hotel in downtown Brooklyn, around an hour and a half from the match venue. The significant distance resulted in travel fatigue and affected their performance.

Sri Lanka also had to depart for Dallas immediately after their match against South Africa, leaving them with no rest period and further disrupting their recovery cycle.

The early morning schedule of matches, done to cater to the South Asian audiences, has turned travel into a logistical nightmare for the team.

What has irked the islanders is other teams have been accommodated in lodgings closer to the venues and get to play their games at the same venue.

Sri Lanka – alongside South Africa and Ireland – have reportedly filed complaints with the International Cricket Council regarding the below-par organisation and logistical planning, but that is likely to be of little help at this point.

Despite all their troubles, Sri Lanka have an important match to contend with. They take on Bangladesh on another surface that’s new to them. Despite the odds stacked against them, this is a game they have to win to keep their Super Eight hopes alive; only the top two teams from each of the four groups progress to the next stage.

In preparation for the upcoming 1st T20i World Cup match against Sri Lanka on June 8, 2024, the Bangladesh team practiced at Grand Prairie in Dallas, USA. 🇧🇩 🏏 #BCB #Cricket #BDCricket #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/UoDSBns9hS — Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) June 6, 2024

At least Sri Lanka have now had five days to recover and reflect on their loss.

While the pressure is on them, they can take a lot of positives from their bowling performance against South Africa as they made the Proteas fight for every run.

The Sri Lankan top order will have a point to prove against the Tigers and one can expect them to go on the attack up front.

Angelo Mathews, the former captain, insisted they had already put the opening result and travel chaos behind them.

“We must win the remaining games (Bangladesh, Nepal and the Netherlands) if we have to qualify for the next round, and taking one game at a time, the one that’s coming up is the most important for us at this moment,” he told Asia Mirror.

“The last four, five days have been chaotic for us with training and preparation disrupted by travel issues. We landed in New York very early in the morning after a flight delay of more than seven hours but we don’t want to make that an excuse for the defeat to South Africa.

“We are a side that have overcome such issues previously and won matches and we are hopeful of doing that again. We have no control over the off-field problems but we can perform better on the pitch and win this all-important game to stay on course for the next round in the tournament.”

South Africa are the top side in the group with Bangladesh as Sri Lanka’s next strongest opponents in the group that also includes Nepal and the Netherlands.

Tuesday, 22 Jan 2019 --> Last Updated : 2024-06-08 18:07:00

Group News Sites

Sunday Times

Tamil Mirror

Middleast Lankadeepa

Life Online

Home delivery

Advertise with us

Mobile Apps

Sat, 08 Jun 2024 Today's Paper

Bangladesh keep nerve to win thriller with Sri Lanka

8 June 2024 11:01 am - 28     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

(Dallas) - Bangladesh emerged victorious from a gripping encounter with Sri Lanka in Texas with the two-wicket victory getting them off to a winning start in Group D of the T20 World Cup.

Rishad Hossain produced a brilliant spell of leg-spin as Bangladesh fought back to restrict Sri Lanka to 124-9.

Then Liton Das (36) and Towhid Hridoy (40 from 20 balls) put Bangladesh in command before some excellent pace bowling from Nuwan Thushara (4-18), in his second spell threatened a late twist in the plot.

But veteran Mahmudullah Riyad showed all his experience at the end to see Bangladesh over the line with an unbeaten 16.

It was the final of four games at the Grand Prairie Stadium and the Dallas crowd have been treated to some top entertainment on a surface which offered some bounce and produced good contests between bat and ball.

Sri Lanka made a fast start, rattling their way to 53-2 in six overs and they progressed to 100-3 after 14 overs with Pathum Nissanka's 47 from 28 including eight boundaries (one six).

But then the 21-year-old wrist spinner Rishad struck twice in successive balls to totally change the momentum of the innings.

Charith Asalanka's sweep shot found Shakib Al Hasan at deep backward square and he snaffled up the catch.

Sri Lanka skipper Wanindu Hasaranga was the next victim of Rishad's spin, edging a sharply turning delivery to Soumya Sarkar at slip.

Dhananjaya de Silva who made a solid 21 off 26 balls was then beaten by Rishad's flight and was stumped by the alert Liton.

Sri Lanka were just able to add 24 runs from the final six overs losing six wickets in that period.

Rishad finished with career-best T20I figures of 3-22 from his four overs.

Mustafizur Rahman finished with 3-17 from four overs while Taskin Ahmed also bowled well for his 2-25.

Bangladesh made a shaky start and were struggling at 28-3 in the sixth over before Liton and Hridoy put together a crucial 63-run partnership.

Hridoy hit Hasaranga for three consecutive sixes before he was trapped leg before on the next ball and when Hasarange removed Liton, there was a glimmer of hope for Sri Lanka.

A brilliant diving catch in the deep from Maheesh Theekshana saw the back of Shakib Al Hasan to leave Bangladesh at 109-6.

Thushara then returned to the attack and removed Rishad and Taskin to increase the pressure but when Mahmudullah dispatched a loose full toss from Dasun Shanaka for six over mid-wicket, the nerves eased and victory was soon secured.

Bangladesh were playing their first game of the tournament after an unimpressive warm-up campaign saw them lose a three-game series to the USA and then lose by 60 runs to India.

Skipper Najmul Hossain was delighted.

"Everybody's body language was great, we gave our 120 percent. Very important for Liton, he's been struggling a bit but he showed his skill today. I think he batted really well. Hridoy was really courageous, the way he played that over really helped us," he said.

Sri Lanka have now lost both their opening games after suffering a defeat to South Africa in their opener.

"If batters put up 150-160, our bowling attack can win games," said Hasaranga.

"The last two games the batters didn't do the job. It's tough".

Live Blog: Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka by 2 wickets

  comments - 28.

Btw Saturday, 08 June 2024 11:13 AM

The country does not get it... It's a cursed side!!!! The side started with racism!!!

Reply 0       0 0       0 -->

Ranjit Saturday, 08 June 2024 01:58 PM

Tigers has won the lions

Reply : 0       0 -->

Lover C Saturday, 08 June 2024 11:20 AM

HASARANGA NO EXCUSE LOST MEAN LOST. WHY BLAFFING 150-160 WHY NOT. YOU ARE FIRST BALL OUT!!!!

Ram Saturday, 08 June 2024 11:20 AM

Now soon we will hear many excuses from Hasaranga. We were given a fair start but middle order collapsed. I still wonder if the players are in their rooms in the nights or out enjoying the night life.

Jude Saturday, 08 June 2024 11:29 AM

SL must stop playing international cricket for a period of 3 years. During this period SL team must improve the standard of cricket!! SL The first team to get knocked out from this year's T20 world Cup. Right now we've to scrape SL team from the bottom of the barrel, yeah.

Shajib Saturday, 08 June 2024 11:31 AM

Mahmudullah is great. He becomes on fire when match situation is being under pressure. Hathurusingha a srilankan ex-coach shows his character also.

Jude Saturday, 08 June 2024 11:33 AM

SLC must stop this nonsense of having an cricket consultant above the coach. The coach Silverwood don't have a Free rein of running the team. And the team suffering due that, the results been very poor performance by the national cricket team.

A Saturday, 08 June 2024 11:53 AM

Pls come home ..don't lose to Nepal and Netherlands also....Capt Ego

Chaminda - Cricket lover from Colombo Saturday, 08 June 2024 11:55 AM

Whatever it is, we should admit that our team is a weak team though with Hasaranga (all-rounder)'s captaincy. Yes, team has to be drained out along with the coach as predicted earlier and Under 19 young talented players should be included. Send back Angelo Mathews for good.

Bangladesh had worst travel arrangement yet they win Saturday, 08 June 2024 12:00 PM

What does SJB have to say about this?

K.M. Milton Samarasinghe [JOURNALIST] Saturday, 08 June 2024 12:02 PM

Just imagine, if Nuwan Thushara

Ylg Saturday, 08 June 2024 12:11 PM

So is SriLanka out of the t20 word cup?

Joshua Saturday, 08 June 2024 01:40 PM

We do not deserve to be in the next round when we lose to SA and Bangladesh. Hopefully we are out

Surain Saturday, 08 June 2024 12:13 PM

High handed Pachcha sira lead the ruination of the SL hope

Kadmin Saturday, 08 June 2024 12:55 PM

Too many passengers in the team - kusal and dasun have been given too many opportunities and now I think team has to look beyond. I hope team will try bench for the next couple of games.

roni Saturday, 08 June 2024 01:29 PM

Fantastic performance by the Minister, 5 mio per month paid consultant and the bunch of selectors. What a spectacle to see with the setting sun the no of officials of Sri Lanka cricket present to witness the team fade away like falling leaves. The issue all these players pick themselves so there is no competition. Most guys are not worthy of a place in the team. No excuse today we are simply not good enough at the world stage. Keep going Harin and Co your days in office are numbered.

R.M.Munasinghe (third man0 Saturday, 08 June 2024 01:40 PM

Fools rush in where angels fear to tread. The first match against SA.Our Fs decided to bat without knowing the condition of the pitch. See, on the other hand India won the toss and decided to bowl to see how the pitch behaves. Change our captain..

Srilankan Saturday, 08 June 2024 01:41 PM

Where is Upul Tharanga, Jayasuriya, Sammi Silva? Not deserved to be hang on. All jokers should resign.

MahA Dana mutha Saturday, 08 June 2024 01:56 PM

They should have not selected Angelo / Dasun ( both are quarter rounders not all rounders at all) along with theekshana

Ranjit Saturday, 08 June 2024 02:03 PM

BangaladeshTigers win Sri Lanka lions

Rajiv DE Silva Saturday, 08 June 2024 02:06 PM

I heard Hasaranga was saying at the the prematch interview that Sri Lanka has GENUINE fastbowlers and spinners. But the final result is in not our favour. Time to remove him as a captain and annouce a decent bloke from the team as a new captain who has better PR and willing to take responsibility.

Two consultants-too many cooks Saturday, 08 June 2024 02:11 PM

Mahela is the Half consultant drawing a large salary. Sanath is the full consultant drawing another. Immediately scrap them off

Guppi Saturday, 08 June 2024 02:14 PM

Shammi and SLC are playing a big game here under the carpet. Selected a sissy team including a mutt as captain for a massive reward. Captain chose 4 players of his school. Obvious foul playing moron.

Thavam Saturday, 08 June 2024 02:18 PM

dont worry, our batsmen will score against Nepal which will guarantee their place in the team

Yohan Saturday, 08 June 2024 03:13 PM

Very poor captaincy. Worst captain ever. First match he batted first like an idiot. Went for zero trying to be bigshot. Then today also got out for zero as he had no clue where the ball was coming. Then he was just using matheesha and theekshana hoping some miracle will happen. Idiot at best. He should have balled at least a over from mathews n shanka after 6th over. He had ample time for that. Also he got hammered for 3 sixes in his over that ruined any chance we had. Mendis, Theekshana, Shanka, Anjelo and Dananjaya should be sacked including coach and consultant mahela as well as Shammi the big head. Roshan and Opposition parties tried to get rid of the Shammi and gang because of this very reason then protector of rogues Ranil came and saved him. Opposition should unite and try to get rid of this betting shammi.

johan Saturday, 08 June 2024 03:51 PM

SLC must remove all men players and replace with women

Janith into playing X1 Saturday, 08 June 2024 04:01 PM

Get Janith Liyanage to number 4 slot instead of DDS/Sadeera for the next game. Our school affiliations ruin our cricket, Sadera

Jabilo Saturday, 08 June 2024 04:06 PM

Not in America or Caribbean, on Australian pitches imported, they cannot dance. Learn the tune and timing from K. Anderson.

Add comment Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Name - Reply Comment

RECOMMENDED

Sri Lanka is an unsinkable aircraft carrier--The country manufactures poverty as politics is more profitable than its industries- Maj. Gen. Dr. Boniface Perera

Matara hospital rocks parents’ world misplacing stillborn

Did BASL misappropriate monies sent by JICA for anti-corruption programme?

Proposed wage hike Estate workers appreciated or trapped in election promise?

Nallusamy Seethaletchami, an estate worker from Bogawantalawa worries about b

Partially blind acid attack victim believes he’ll see again

When Sanjaya Sandaruwan awoke on the morning of October 18, 2010, the world l

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

In 2020, six people from Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, India were arrested by the R

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

For a long time, accusations have been made against Urban Development and Hou

Most Viewed in News

Live updates : Adverse weather - 10 persons killed, 5 missing

Modi-led BJP loses majority in big setback

Cement prices drop by Rs.150

Top Island ranks in GCE A/L

SC quashes Presidential Pardon granted to Jude Jayamaha in Royal Park case

MIRROR CRICKET

Sri Lanka become second team in 19-year-old T20I history to register all-time embarrassing record

7 hours ago - 0     - 172

7 hours ago - 28     - 1410

Afghanistan pull off upset win over New Zealand

9 hours ago - 9     - 635

Canada stun Ireland by 12 runs in T20 World Cup

08 Jun 2024 - 0     - 449

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Sri lanka loses us $ 4bn annually due to under-invoicing in international trade: champika.

08 Jun 2024

Rainfall to intensify

13-year-old girl who went for phone reload sexually abused by shopkeeper, risky activities caused most flood-related deaths: dmc.

7 hours ago

9 hours ago

Alleged car break-in and passport theft at NW Harris Co. park strands couple: 'We can't travel'

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- A couple visiting from Sri Lanka cannot leave the country after their passports were stolen at a northwest Harris County park.

Thusitha Wickramarachichi said his parents were visiting him and his 16-month-old daughter.

"They were excited, and then we were planning some cruises and all that," he said.

But all their plans were halted on Saturday. He said his parents were watching him play cricket at Matzke Park near Jones and Grant roads when a thief broke into his truck and stole a purse containing their passports.

"I usually do, but that day, I did not check with them to see if they had their passports in their bags," Wickramarachichi said.

Surveillance cameras on the car parked next to his truck captured the theft, and the Harris County Sheriff's Office said the footage could be useful in tracking down the thief.

The video shows a man in orange sneakers and an orange shirt exiting the backseat of a black car. He crouches down as he makes his way to the truck and then appears to use some tool to make a hole in the window.

"It took only five seconds," Wickramarachichi said.

Without passports, his parents are unable to leave the country. He said they're waiting on documents from Sri Lanka to begin applying for new passports, which he said would take four months.

"Now we can't do cruises, we can't travel, none of that," he said.

They also won't be able to make their July flight home.

Anyone who recognizes the man in the video is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

For news updates, follow Luke Jones on Facebook , X and Instagram .

Related Topics

• HARRIS COUNTY
• CAUGHT ON CAMERA

14-year-old Houston Farmers Market suspected shooter arrested

More than 2,800 boxes of LEGOs seized in retail theft bust

Teenage gym employee takes down suspected thief in Indiana: VIDEO

2 suspects accused of fatally shooting Houston Farmers Market employee

Top stories.

Ozone Pollution Watch Saturday, storm chances return next week

• 42 minutes ago

Tollway victim may have agitated shooter for driving slow, family says

Man in hoodie seen running away after deadly shooting in SE Houston

Apollo 8 astronaut William Anders dies in Washington plane crash

2024 Tropical Weather Update: Possible area for tropical development

• 39 minutes ago

Astros place Kyle Tucker on injured list with shin contusion

Multiple people may be trapped in E. Harris Co. wreck, sheriff says