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Sri Lanka Sharpens Focus on High-Value Tourism Amidst Evolving Landscape

In a crucial pivot towards sustainable economic recovery, Sri Lanka is intensifying its focus on attracting high-value tourism segments. While the island nation continues to welcome a growing number of visitors, recent reports highlight a significant challenge: tourist arrivals are surging, yet earnings per visitor are declining, underscoring the urgent need to court more affluent travelers and premium experiences. This strategic re-calibration is evident in recent initiatives and expert analyses, painting a clear picture of Sri Lanka’s forward-looking tourism agenda. The Current Tourism Landscape: A Tale of Two Trends Data released this week indicates a complex situation for Sri Lanka’s vital tourism sector. As of mid-September 2025, the country has successfully welcomed approximately 1.64 million tourists, surpassing the arrivals recorded in the same period in 2018. The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) also reported 198,235 international visitors in August, a 20.4% increase from August 2024. Despite these impressive visitor numbers, foreign exchange earnings from tourism saw an 8.2% decline in August 2025 compared to the previous year, marking the second consecutive month of revenue decrease. This discrepancy suggests a shift towards more budget-conscious travelers, prompting experts to call for a renewed emphasis on high-spending visitors. A recent report by Sri Lankan Capital Market service provider CT Smith forecasts 2.4 million arrivals and USD 3.4 billion in earnings for 2025. While this projects record arrivals, it still falls short of the USD 4.4 billion peak earnings achieved in 2018 and the government’s ambitious target of 3 million arrivals and USD 5 billion in revenue for 2025. The depreciated Sri Lankan Rupee has made the island a more affordable destination, particularly for price-sensitive travelers, further fueling the need to attract those seeking luxury. Targeting Affluent Markets: Weddings, MICE, and Integrated Resorts In response to these trends, Sri Lanka Tourism is actively pursuing several high-value segments. One of the most dynamic recent developments has been the concentrated effort to capture the burgeoning Indian luxury wedding market. Over the past 48 hours, news emerged that Sri Lanka Tourism recently organized multi-city luxury wedding shows across India, covering key cities like Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. This initiative, involving fourteen Sri Lankan exhibitors including wedding planners and hotels, aims to position Sri Lanka as a premier destination for Indian couples, promoting not only traditional wedding hotspots like Bentota and Weligama but also emerging locations such as Trincomalee and Arugam Bay. The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) Chairperson, Buddhika Hewawasam, noted that Indian wedding groups typically enjoy extended stays of seven to ten days, making them highly valuable. The country has already hosted 30 large and 50 small to mid-sized Indian weddings in the past eight months, with plans to double this capacity through ongoing promotional efforts, including familiarization trips for social media influencers and targeted digital campaigns. Another significant move to attract affluent visitors is the strategic development of integrated resorts. The highly anticipated “City of Dreams” in Colombo, South Asia’s first integrated casino resort, is a cornerstone of this strategy. Expected to draw high-net-worth individuals, particularly from India and China where gaming options are limited, this USD 1.2 billion facility, bolstered by the recent passing of the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill on August 22, 2025, represents a clear shift towards a more selective and sustainable tourism model. Furthermore, Sri Lanka is actively promoting its Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism sector as a key area for high-spending visitors. This segment brings in corporate travelers who typically spend more and often combine business with leisure, contributing significantly to local economies. Niche Markets and Enhanced Experiences: Beyond Mass Tourism Beyond large-scale resorts and events, Sri Lanka is honing in on specific niche segments that promise higher yields. Wildlife and nature-based tourism, for instance, has seen remarkable growth. At the Global Bird Fair in the UK in July 2025, Sri Lanka highlighted its rich biodiversity, promoting purpose-driven travel that attracts high-spenders with longer stays, averaging over 6,000 GBP for 15-20 days. This segment now accounts for over 50% of tourists seeking wildlife experiences, a 30% increase since 2018, generating over Rs. 3.5 billion in revenue. The island is also embracing experience-led travel, moving beyond passive sightseeing to offer immersive, authentic, and personalized journeys. This includes private tea-plucking experiences, cultural immersions in ancient cities, and even helicopter tours. High-end dining, such as the unique Blue Orbit by Citrus revolving restaurant atop the Colombo Lotus Tower, further exemplifies the push for premium, memorable experiences. To ensure a seamless experience for affluent visitors, the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) introduced its “Gold Route Service” in 2022, offering VIP treatment and expedited airport formalities for high-net-worth individuals and premium travelers. This service alone generated LKR 94.9 million in 2024, demonstrating its value in attracting discerning clients. Strategic partnerships and promotional activities are also crucial. The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has initiated unlocking over 3,000 acres of state-owned land for global investment to enhance tourism infrastructure. Additionally, Nordic roadshows were scheduled for September 2025 across Scandinavia, aiming to reposition Sri Lanka as a high-value destination through B2B and B2C engagements. Challenges and the Path Forward Despite these proactive measures, challenges persist. The delay in launching a crucial national branding campaign, initially slated for early 2025, is seen as a hindrance to significantly boosting arrivals and revenue. While recent policy updates, such as the approval for visa-free entry for citizens from 40 countries, are expected to increase interest and arrivals, the full implementation timelines remain critical. A pilot program offering free 30-day tourist visas for 35 countries, approved in August 2024, had not been fully implemented as of August 2025, with travelers still requiring the standard Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) fee. The government also recently eased driving rules for tourists, offering temporary driving licenses upon arrival to facilitate self-drive holidays. While this aims to enhance tourist freedom, it has raised concerns among local tuk-tuk drivers and regarding safety. The ongoing commitment to attracting high-value tourism segments is a strategic imperative for Sri Lanka. By diversifying offerings, investing in premium infrastructure,

Sri Lanka’s Economic Resilience Shines: A Deep Dive into Q2 2025 Expansion and Forward Outlook

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – The Sri Lankan economy demonstrated robust vitality in the second quarter of 2025, recording a significant Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expansion of 4.9 percent year-on-year. This impressive performance marks the eighth consecutive quarter of positive growth for the island nation, solidifying its path toward sustained recovery from the severe economic crisis it faced just a few years ago. The latest official data, released by the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS), has been widely reported in recent days, providing an up-to-the-minute snapshot of Sri Lanka’s economic rebound. Key Drivers Propelling Growth The economic surge in Q2 2025 was broad-based, with all major sectors contributing positively. The industrial sector led the charge, expanding by a notable 5.8 percent. This was closely followed by the services sector, which grew by 3.9 percent, and the agriculture sector, which saw a 2.0 percent increase. Within these sectors, several sub-segments exhibited particularly strong performance. The services sector benefited significantly from a thriving IT programming and consultancy segment, which soared by 18.7 percent, alongside robust growth in financial services (+12.3%) and postal and courier services (+11.6%). Industrial activity was buoyed by substantial gains in construction (+8.5%) and mining and quarrying (+16.6%), while manufacturing also posted a respectable 3.7 percent expansion. In agriculture, animal production (+13.9%) and cereal cultivation (+12.4%) were key contributors. Underlying this sectoral growth were favorable macroeconomic conditions. The economy benefited from lower interest rates, which stimulated business activity, and the lifting of vehicle import restrictions, contributing to stronger wholesale and retail trade, particularly in motor vehicle sales and repairs. A Journey of Recovery and Reform Sri Lanka’s current economic momentum is a testament to its determined efforts to overcome the unprecedented meltdown of 2022, which saw depleted foreign reserves, runaway inflation, and acute shortages. The nation’s engagement with an IMF-supported stabilization program, coupled with rigorous austerity measures and debt restructuring, has been crucial in establishing a more stable footing. International financial institutions, including the World Bank, have acknowledged Sri Lanka’s remarkable progress in rebuilding its economy. However, the journey is not without its complexities. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s (CBSL) Business Outlook Survey (BOS) revealed that while business confidence improved in Q2 2025, reaching its highest level since Q2 2022, the Systemic Risk Survey for the second half of 2025 indicates a decline in medium-term confidence, largely due to “Global macroeconomic risks” and geopolitical tensions. Navigating Current Headwinds and Future Projections Despite the encouraging Q2 GDP figures, certain challenges persist. Export growth experienced a slowdown in Q2 2025, registering 6 percent compared to 8.1 percent in Q1, primarily impacted by tariff-related uncertainties. Although the United States has reduced tariffs on Sri Lankan exports to 20 percent from an earlier 44 percent, the external trade environment remains challenging for a small, trade-dependent nation. The vital tourism sector, a significant contributor to foreign exchange inflows, faces mixed signals. While tourist arrivals continue to rise, foreign exchange earnings from tourism saw an 8.2 percent decline in August 2025 compared to the previous year, marking the second consecutive month of revenue decrease despite a 20.4 percent increase in visitor numbers. This suggests that Sri Lanka may miss its ambitious 2025 tourism arrival and revenue targets, necessitating strategic interventions to maximize economic benefits from growing visitor numbers. Furthermore, official data indicate that the net foreign assets of Sri Lanka’s banking system have begun to reverse course after April 2025, following interest rate cuts and an uptick in private credit. This trend raises concerns about the sustainability of foreign exchange reserves. Recent Policy and Economic Indicators In a critical development, Sri Lanka’s headline inflation, as measured by the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI), turned positive in August 2025, recording 1.2 percent year-on-year. This marks the end of an eleven-month period of deflation, a significant shift in the economic landscape. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka anticipates a gradual rise in inflation towards its 5% target, supported by ongoing policy measures. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in a recent address on September 17, 2025, reiterated his commitment to preventing future economic crises. He projected that Sri Lanka would achieve a growth rate close to 5 percent by the end of 2025 and that foreign reserves would reach $7 billion. Further boosting infrastructure, Sri Lanka has resumed a key highway project with a new $500 million Chinese funding, signaling renewed international investment confidence. A World Bank Public Finance Review, released on September 9, 2025, acknowledged Sri Lanka’s extensive fiscal adjustments, describing them as “sharper and faster” than international standards. The review suggested that the nation is now well-positioned to shift towards a more balanced fiscal policy, focusing on equitable revenue generation, efficient government spending, and improved public sector wage management. However, the report also highlighted the profound social cost of austerity, with over a quarter of the population falling below the poverty line and real wages remaining significantly lower than pre-crisis levels. Looking Ahead: A Cautiously Optimistic Path The economic expansion in Q2 2025, coupled with recent positive shifts in inflation and the government’s forward-looking policy statements, paints a cautiously optimistic picture for Sri Lanka. While challenges in external trade, tourism revenue generation, and fiscal management persist, the fundamental drivers of recovery are in place. The continued focus on structural reforms, attracting foreign direct investment, and enhancing productivity will be crucial for Sri Lanka to solidify its economic gains and ensure inclusive growth that benefits all citizens. The nation’s ability to navigate global macroeconomic volatilities while maintaining its reform agenda will define its trajectory towards sustainable prosperity.

Top 5 Places to Visit Around Kataragama, Sri Lanka

Front view of Kataragama Devalaya temple in Sri Lanka with devotees offering flowers and lanterns

Why Visit Kataragama? Kataragama is one of the most sacred and multicultural cities in Sri Lanka, attracting Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and travelers from around the world. While the Kataragama Devalaya is the main highlight, the surrounding area offers stunning wildlife, ancient temples, and peaceful riverside spots. Here are the top 5 places to visit near Kataragama during your trip. 1. Kataragama Sacred City & Devalaya The Kataragama Devalaya is a revered pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Skanda (Murugan). Pilgrims from across Sri Lanka and India gather here daily, offering fruits, flowers, and prayers. Evening rituals with drumming and fire ceremonies make it an unforgettable cultural and spiritual experience. 2. Kiri Vehera Dagoba Located just minutes from the Devalaya, Kiri Vehera is a massive white stupa dating back over 2,000 years. It is said to be built during King Mahasena’s era and holds deep importance for Buddhists. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to visit for photography and quiet meditation. 3. Yala National Park (Near Kataragama) Only a short drive away, Yala National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s top wildlife destinations. Home to the world’s highest density of leopards, Yala also shelters elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and over 200 bird species. A safari from Kataragama is the perfect blend of spirituality and adventure. 4. Sella Kataragama & Manik Ganga River Just 4 km from the main shrine lies Sella Kataragama, a picturesque village connected to the legend of Lord Murugan and his consort Valli. The Manik Ganga River flowing nearby is considered sacred, and pilgrims often bathe here before visiting the main temple. It’s a peaceful stop for both spirituality and relaxation. 5. Sithulpawwa Rock Temple (Near Buttala) Tucked inside Yala’s wilderness, the Sithulpawwa Rock Temple is an ancient monastery believed to date back over 2,000 years. The climb up its rocky summit offers panoramic views of forests and lakes, making it one of the most scenic cultural sites near Kataragama. Whether you’re a pilgrim seeking blessings or a traveler chasing culture and wildlife, Kataragama has something for everyone. From the sacred shrines and Kiri Vehera to the untamed landscapes of Yala and Sithulpawwa, these top 5 places near Kataragama will make your trip unforgettable.

Colombo Airport to Ease Congestion as Sri Lanka Tourism Grows

SriLankan Airlines Airbus A330 aircraft in flight near Colombo Airport

Sri Lanka is easing congestion at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) by extending peak-hour arrivals from four hours to six, Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe said. Passenger traffic has rebounded strongly in 2025, pushing Colombo’s main airport beyond capacity. The surge comes from both rising inbound tourists and more Sri Lankans traveling overseas as disposable income improves after the currency crisis. Managing Hub Peaks Airports create “hub peaks” when multiple flights land within a short time to allow quick transfers. At BIA, these late-night peaks caused long immigration queues and overcrowding inside the terminal. “We scheduled too many arrivals within a short time,” Minister Ranasinghe said. “Now we are stretching arrivals to six hours to reduce congestion.” Earlier this month, Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited (AASL) barred visitors from the departure terminal between 10:00 p.m. and midnight to ease passenger flow. Expanding Immigration Capacity Authorities have increased the number of immigration counters and launched new recruitment to speed up processing. The government also urges charter operators to use Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport to reduce pressure on Colombo. Tourism on the Rise Sri Lanka expects 3 million tourist arrivals in 2025, with 1.5 million visitors recorded by mid-August. Outbound travel is also climbing as households recover from the economic downturn. However, Colombo airport’s infrastructure remains overstretched. The current terminal was built for 6 million passengers annually but handled 10.8 million in 2018. A Japanese-financed expansion project stalled in 2022 after Sri Lanka’s debt default. Authorities now plan to revive the new terminal project once financing resumes. Outlook Tourism remains a key source of foreign exchange for Sri Lanka. By spreading flight arrivals, expanding immigration facilities, and encouraging use of secondary airports, the government aims to create a smoother travel experience. These measures could help Sri Lanka sustain momentum in its tourism industry and strengthen its position as a South Asian hub.

Sri Lanka Tourist Arrivals 2025: 1.49M by August

Sri Lanka Tourist Arrivals 2025: Monthly Trends & Top Markets According to the latest data, Sri Lanka tourist arrivals 2025 have already exceeded 1.49 million by August 17 2025, the island has already seen more than 1.49 million international visitors — a clear sign that travelers from around the world are falling in love with Sri Lanka all over again. Compared to the same period last year, arrivals have grown steadily, with January and February leading the way. In fact, January 2025 welcomed over 252,000 tourists, the highest so far this year, while February brought in another 240,000 visitors. The summer months followed with consistent growth, and July closed with 200,244 arrivals. Even in the first half of August alone, more than 129,000 travelers had already stepped foot on the island Where Are Tourists Coming From? The diversity of visitors is striking. India tops the list with more than 307,000 arrivals this year, reflecting strong regional ties. The United Kingdom and Russia follow, with a combined total of over a quarter million travelers. Germany, China, France, and Australia also remain strong markets, while countries like Bangladesh, the Netherlands, and the United States show steady growth. Interestingly, in the first 17 days of August, Italy ranked among the top three markets — showing how European travelers are rediscovering Sri Lanka as a holiday escape. Why Sri Lanka in 2025? Travelers often say Sri Lanka feels like “many countries in one small island.” And it’s true. In a single trip, you can: Add to that UNESCO heritage sites, local festivals like the Esala Perahera in Kandy, and an increasingly vibrant food scene — and it’s no surprise the island continues to rise in global rankings. The Road Ahead Tourism experts believe Sri Lanka could cross the 3 million visitor mark by the end of 2025, if current momentum holds. With new flight routes opening, digital nomads showing interest, and eco-tourism becoming a trend, the country is shaping up to be a must-visit destination in South Asia.

Everything You Should Know Before Buying Starlink in Sri Lanka

1. What Is Starlink? (Starlink dealer in Sri Lanka) Starlink is a satellite broadband service provided by SpaceX. It uses a constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet access almost anywhere—ideal for areas lacking reliable fibre or mobile infrastructure.We are going to talk about Starlink dealer in Sri Lanka. 2. Authorized Dealer in Sri Lanka (Starlink dealer in Sri Lanka) Singer Sri Lanka PLC, part of Hayleys Group backed by Dhammika Perera, has been appointed the official distributor of Starlink hardware and service in Sri Lanka. Kits are available via Singer outlets and online, with full activation, delivery, warranty, and support provided locally. Said company leadership: “We’re proud to announce that Singer Sri Lanka is now the official distributor of Starlink … bringing global innovation closer to everyday consumers.” Latest in the News Sphere | The Morning+10Ada Derana+10Reddit+10X (formerly Twitter)+5hayleys.com+5Latest in the News Sphere | The Morning+5 3. On-the-Ground User Voices From an online local discussion among Sri Lankan users: “You can use your Starlink anywhere as long as there is coverage in the area … which Sri Lanka definitely has.”“If you’re going after low latency, your mileage may vary … their routing is better than crappy Mobitel.” Reddit This reflects both optimism and caution—users confirm use in Sri Lanka, but note variable performance, especially in rainy weather. 4. Hardware Types & Service Plans Starlink Kits Packages (Indicative pricing) 5. Pros & Cons in the Sri Lankan Context Benefits Drawbacks 6. Starlink vs Local ISPs Feature Starlink Satellite Internet Local ISPs (SLT, Dialog Fibre & Mobile) Hardware Cost ~LKR 70K–120K Minimal or included in contract Monthly Fee ~LKR 12K–15K (residential unlimited) ~LKR 3K–6K (fibre); mobile depends on package Data Unlimited (priority-based for some plans) Fibre: unlimited or high-cap; mobile: usage caps Speed ~50–200 Mbps (variable) Fibre: 100–800 Mbps; mobile lower Latency ~25–50 ms typical; occasional spikes Fibre: ~30 ms or lower; mobile higher latency Coverage Area Anywhere with clear sky Fibre limited to equipped areas; mobile zones only Ideal For Remote homes, rural businesses, mobile units Urban homes/offices with fibre infrastructure 7. Who Should Consider Starlink in Sri Lanka? Best Fit Scenarios Not a Fit For 8. Voices from the Ground “If you can’t get fibre, it’s magic. If you can get good fibre then it beats Starlink in speed and quality.”— A Starlink user in Sri Lanka who has tried both fibre and satellite, sharing his experience in an online discussion. Developing Telecoms+5Reddit+5LankaFix+5LankaFixEurasia Review Final Thoughts

What To Do If an Elephant Goes on a Elephant Attack Sri Lanka on a Perahara : Safety Guide

Sri Lanka is famous for its vibrant cultural festivals like the Kandy Esala Perahera, where majestic elephants adorned in traditional attire march through the streets. While these events are breathtaking, there’s a rare but serious risk: elephants going on a rampage due to stress, loud noises, or provocation. Knowing how to react in such situations can save lives. This article will guide you on what to do if an elephant suddenly becomes aggressive, including safety tips and preventive measures — especially relevant for festivalgoers, photographers, and tourists. Why Do Elephants Go on a Rampage? Elephants used in Peraheras are generally well-trained and accompanied by mahouts (handlers), but they are still wild animals with immense strength and unpredictability. Common triggers include: What Should You Do If an Elephant Goes on a Rampage? 1. Stay Calm — Don’t Panic Panic causes chaos. Stay as calm as possible and avoid screaming or running immediately unless you’re in direct danger. Controlled actions are more likely to keep you safe. 2. Immediately Move Away — But NOT in a Straight Line Elephants can run up to 40 km/h and may chase. If you’re close, move away at an angle (zigzag or diagonally) rather than a straight line. Elephants find it harder to chase in zig-zag paths due to their size and momentum. 3. Take Shelter If possible, get behind large obstacles: Never hide behind a bush or small pole. Elephants can easily knock over weak objects. 4. Avoid Getting Between the Elephant and the Crowd If the elephant is running toward a crowd, don’t run in between to cross paths. Move away from its line of sight, preferably sideways, and allow the animal to pass. 5. Do Not Try to Take Photos or Videos This is not the time to capture a viral video. Many injuries during rampages happen because people are too busy recording rather than escaping. 6. Listen to Authorities and Mahouts Always follow the directions of: They are trained to handle such situations and may give evacuation instructions or open emergency routes. Preventive Safety Tips at Peraheras If you’re attending a festival with elephants:

All Aboard the Ella Weekend Express: Sri Lanka’s New Luxury Rail Experience

Blue train crossing the iconic Nine Arches Bridge in Ella, Sri Lanka, surrounded by lush green forest and morning mist.

Launching August 16, 2025, the Sri Lanka Department of Railways will introduce the Ella Weekend Express – a premium train service running Colombo Fort ↔ Badulla on weekends. It’s designed to meet rising demand from local and international tourists seeking comfort and stunning views en route to Sri Lanka’s hill country Schedule at a Glance Segment Departure Arrival Capacity Colombo → Badulla Saturdays 05:30 AM Afternoon 350 seats Badulla → Colombo Sundays 09:00 PM Late night 350 seats This carefully timed weekend rotation provides a full-day outbound journey and a relaxed return—perfect for a getaway Scenic Highlights Along the Hill Country Route Traveling along Sri Lanka’s iconic Main Line (290 km from Colombo Fort to Badulla), passengers will be treated to enchanting sights: tea terraces, plunging waterfalls, misty valleys, and colonial-era towns, particularly between Nanu Oya and Ella—widely regarded as the most breathtaking stretch of railway in Asia. Passengers can expect views of: Unlike traditional trains, this luxury service will pause briefly at prime photography points to let travelers capture the moment. What Sets the Ella Weekend Express Apart Compared to the Ella Odyssey tourist train (running Thurs/Sat outbound, Fri/Sun return) and the daily Udarata Menike/Podi Menike services, the Ella Weekend Express provides a more exclusive, premium, and practical weekend option for leisure travelers Practical Tips for Travelers Why the Hill Country Has Global Appeal Sri Lanka’s Main Line railway—stretching from the coastal capital into the misty highlands—is globally revered for its nostalgic charm and visual drama. Although the full Colombo–Badulla journey takes 10–12 hours, the golden stretch from Nanu Oya to Ella delivers unforgettable views faster and better lit, particularly when riding eastbound in the morning sun. Friday evening: Travel to Colombo Fort or stay in the city. Saturday 05:30 AM: Depart Colombo Fort on Ella Weekend Express → arrive Badulla mid‑afternoon. Saturday/Sunday: Explore Ella, Nuwara Eliya, or tea‑estate retreats; join walks on the Pekoe Trail through lush tea fields. Sunday 21:00 PM: Board return train to Colombo, arriving late for smooth next-day transitions. Book Your Seat here – click here https://seatreservation.railway.gov.lk/mtktwebslr

Sri Lanka Crowned the Most Beautiful Island in the World for 2025

Galle travel guide:10 places you must visit in Galle Sri Lanka,

Sri Lanka has officially been crowned the Most Beautiful Island in the World by global travel platform Big 7 Travel, placing first in its “50 Best Islands in the World” list for 2025. This recognition comes shortly after another prestigious accolade—EnjoyTravel, via News First, named Sri Lanka the Best Island in the World in its own global ranking. What Earned Sri Lanka the No. 1 Spot Top 10 Islands in the 2025 Big 7 Travel list: Why the Awards Matter These recognitions arrive at a pivotal time for Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, which has been growing steadily. The country recorded over $1.5 billion in tourism revenue in the first half of 2024 alone, with a 62% rise in international visitor arrivals. This renewed global attention shines a light on Sri Lanka’s true potential—a destination that offers a complete travel experience: ancient culture, natural beauty, adventure, and hospitality. What Makes Sri Lanka So Special Tourism on the Rise Sri Lanka’s inclusion at the top of multiple global travel lists signals strong confidence in its tourism comeback. The government and private sector continue to invest in infrastructure, digital marketing, and eco-friendly initiatives to ensure sustainable tourism growth. More travelers around the world are now looking to Sri Lanka not just as a beautiful island, but as an immersive experience of culture, nature, and unforgettable moments.

Top 5 Things You Must NOT do in Sri Lanka

The South Asian Island travelling destination Sri Lanka offers unforgettable memories throughout your journey. From sandy beaches to a vast variety of wildlife experiences, the country has so much to offer. As a multi-cultural nation, the country will offer you unique experiences. However, not only for Sri Lanka any country what place you travel you must know what to do and what not to do in a country. Here are the five most common things you must not do in the country. 1. Do not eat with your left hand Sri Lankans use their right hand to eat. Eating with the left hand is not ok for many, and if you are uncomfortable with eating with your hand, it’s better to use cutlery. 2. Do not turn your back to the Lord Buddha statues. The majority of Sri Lankans are Buddhists, and all the Buddhist temples and Buddha statues are highly respected. However, turning back and taking pictures is highly unacceptable. Also, you will see signs showing not to turn back to the statues in many places. But it’s good not to turn your back to the statues even if it’s not recommended for you. 3. Do not bathe in unknown places As an Asian country, Sri Lanka is filled with many beautiful lakes’ rivers and waterfalls. If you really wish to enjoy the bathe, always try places where locals are using. Not only for those this applies to the beaches too. Check the warning signs around and try the places that locals are using. 4. Do not wear too much revealing clothes to religious places. It’s a tradition in the country to wear decent fewer revealing clothes to the religious places. So check the styles the locals wear, and you can match with them. 5. Showing too much affection in public places is not common Sri Lankans are not usually used to show affection in public. So hugging kissing or many other affectionate activities in public places are not common. Stay with us to know more