SriLankan Airlines Forges Landmark Alliance with Axis Bank to Electrify Indian Tourism
By Shadman Samee from Dhaka, Bangladesh – 4R-ANC SriLankan Airlines Airbus A321-251N., CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=75507184 Colombo, Sri Lanka – September 16, 2025 – In a significant move poised to redefine outbound travel from India, SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier of Sri Lanka, has announced a pioneering strategic partnership with Axis Bank, one of India’s largest private sector banks. This groundbreaking collaboration, unveiled over the past 48 hours, is designed to offer a suite of exclusive travel benefits to Axis Bank’s extensive 15-million customer base, dramatically boosting Indian tourism to the island nation and beyond. The alliance underscores SriLankan Airlines’ unwavering commitment to the Indian market, solidifying its position as a preferred international carrier for Indian travelers. Unlocking Unprecedented Travel Value for Indian Consumers The core of this strategic tie-up is to provide unparalleled value and seamless travel experiences. Under the initial phase of the partnership, Axis Bank credit and debit cardholders are now eligible for an exclusive 10% discount on both Business Class and Economy Class fares when booking directly through the SriLankan Airlines website. This attractive discount applies to all SriLankan Airlines flights originating from India, with destinations including Colombo, Sri Lanka, and onward connections via Colombo to a vast network spanning the Far East, Middle East, Maldives, and prominent European cities such as Frankfurt and Paris. Furthermore, travelers embarking on journeys to Melbourne will benefit from an additional five kilograms of checked baggage allowance, providing extra convenience and value for those longer international trips. The booking window for these exclusive offers is valid until November 20, 2025, with an extended travel period from June 16, 2025, through March 31, 2026, giving Indian travelers ample flexibility to plan their escapes. A First-of-Its-Kind Partnership and Strategic Imperative Commenting on this landmark development, Fawzan Fareid, SriLankan Airlines Regional Manager for India, Bangladesh, and Nepal, expressed immense enthusiasm. “We are truly excited to partner with Axis Bank and about what this means for our shared customers, who have some fantastic benefits coming their way,” Fareid stated. He highlighted the unique nature of the agreement, noting, “This partnership is also remarkable as it marks the first time ever that SriLankan Airlines has collaborated with a private Indian bank.” Arnika Dixit, President & Head of Cards, Payments and Wealth Management at Axis Bank, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the bank’s dedication to enhancing customer lifestyles and journeys. “Our association with SriLankan Airlines further strengthens our value proposition for customers seeking memorable and rewarding travel experiences,” Dixit remarked. SriLankan Airlines CEO Richard Nuttall underscored the broader vision, stating, “This alliance is about more than savings—it’s about changing the way Indians travel.” This collaboration is a testament to SriLankan Airlines’ strategic focus on India as a cornerstone market. The airline currently operates a robust schedule of 88 weekly flights connecting nine Indian cities to Colombo, demonstrating a significant commitment to strengthening bilateral tourism and trade ties. Elevating Sri Lanka as the Premier Destination for Indian Travelers The timing of this partnership is particularly opportune as India continues to be Sri Lanka’s largest source market for tourism, contributing over 19% of total arrivals so far in 2025, with more than 290,000 Indian tourists visiting the island between January and mid-September this year. The airline’s proactive initiatives, such as this alliance with Axis Bank, are crucial in fostering deeper connections with Indian travelers and enhancing the overall inbound tourism figures for Sri Lanka. By offering seamless and affordable travel experiences, SriLankan Airlines aims to encourage more Indians to explore the diverse attractions of the island, from its pristine beaches and lush nature adventures to its rich cultural heritage and renowned hospitality. Beyond promoting direct travel to Sri Lanka, the partnership also strategically positions Colombo as a vital hub for Indian travelers connecting to SriLankan Airlines’ extensive global network. This includes popular destinations in the Far East, Australia, the Middle East, and Europe, effectively enhancing the airline’s appeal as a gateway for international travel from India. A Future-Focused Approach to Connectivity and Customer Experience This alliance is not an isolated event but rather a continuation of SriLankan Airlines’ broader strategy to enhance its footprint in the Indian aviation market. The airline has consistently demonstrated its commitment, with recent reports indicating plans for network expansion within India, increasing flight frequencies to existing destinations, and even exploring new cities like Ahmedabad. The airline aims to offer convenience for “dual-destination holidays,” combining Sri Lanka or the Maldives with Southeast Asia, a unique proposition for Indian passengers. Furthermore, SriLankan Airlines has been proactive in promoting Sri Lanka’s cultural and religious tourism, notably through initiatives like the “Ramayana Trail Project.” An advertisement highlighting sites related to the Hindu epic has resonated strongly with Indian audiences, showcasing Sri Lanka’s rich heritage and its potential as a spiritual tourism destination. Such targeted promotions, coupled with strategic partnerships like the one with Axis Bank, are instrumental in diversifying and strengthening Sri Lanka’s appeal to the Indian market. The collaboration between SriLankan Airlines and Axis Bank is more than just a promotional offer; it represents a synergistic integration designed to create a win-win scenario for travelers, the airline, and the banking sector. As global travel continues its robust recovery, such partnerships are vital in driving demand, improving customer experience, and ultimately contributing significantly to the economic prosperity of Sri Lanka through sustained tourism growth.
Sri Lankan Cabinet Greenlights Committee to Explore Overseas Voting Rights
Sri Lankan Cabinet has given its crucial approval for the establishment of a specialized committee. This committee’s mandate is to meticulously study and propose amendments to existing laws, as well as formulate new legislation, ultimately aimed at safeguarding the voting rights of millions of Sri Lankan citizens residing overseas.
A New Chapter for Sri Lanka’s Railways: Historic Maradana Station of Colombo Leads the ‘Dream Destination’ Revolution
A new chapter is beginning for Sri Lanka’s railway system, and it all starts at the iconic Maradana Railway Station. The historic hub is undergoing a major renovation as part of the government’s ambitious “Dream Destination” program. Discover how this project is blending the station’s storied past with a modern, sustainable future, and what this revitalization means for Sri Lanka’s public transport and tourism. Read the full story here.
Top 5 Places to Visit Around Kataragama, Sri Lanka
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
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 or India, which is best to travel in September 2025
If you are planning to travel in South Asia, you may have considered choosing Sri Lanka and India. However, you have to consider many factors before choosing a travel destination. It depends on the weather, activities and experiences you planned to have. What is the best country, Sri Lanka or India, to visit in September, according to the weather? Sri Lanka and India are both wonderful choices for travel. It’ll be hot and humid with some rain in most areas in Sri Lanka. But eastern and northern coasts like Trincomalee and Passikudah are drier and have pleasant weather. This weather is perfect for relaxing activities by the sea and at the beach. You can have the best experience with swimming and snorkelling. The country will also provide an amazing wildlife experience, and views of cultural sites will give you the best memories during the journey. However, the north in India, like the Himalayas, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh, will have clear sky and may be the best time for sightseeing Weather Comparison – September Sri Lanka and India Feature Sri Lanka India Climate Inter-monsoon; hot and humid Monsoon ending; Temperature Day: 30°C / 86°F Night: 24°C / 75°F Day: 23–31°C / 73–88°F Rainfall 205 mm over 15 days Significantly less than earlier months Humidity 80% Decreasing, especially in the north Sea temperature 28°C / 82°F Varies by region; coastal areas are warm Best areas Eastern & northern coasts: Trincomalee, Passikudah Himalayas: Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan for desert scenery What are the best travel experiences? You can have one of the best experiences in Sri Lanka during September. The Kaudulla National Park and Minneriya will be the best places to witness the life of elephants. Not only that Nilaveli and Passikudah will be the ideal places for swimming and relaxing activities at the beach. Not only can you have a unique experience in cultural sites like Anuradhapura and Pollonnaruwa, with a rich Buddhist culture. But as the monsoon is ending in India, travellers can enjoy historical landmarks like the Taj Mahal and the Grand Palace. Beautiful hill stations like Shimla and Mussoorie have the best weather and cool temperatures for the best scenic views. If you like to enjoy the adventure of cultures, you can join Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra and Onam in Kerala. Stay with us for more details about travelling in Sri Lanka.
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.
Top 6 Interesting Things You Must Know Before Travelling to Sri Lanka 2025
Sri Lanka is well known as one of the most popular travelling destinations for decades. Before Bali became more commercialized, Sri Lanka was top among many travelling destinations, surpassing Bali. However, now tourists around the world have started to understand the value of a hidden gem. But some interesting facts are normal in Sri Lanka but not in other parts of the world. As these facts are very important, as a tourist, you must know all these things before travelling to Sri Lanka. Here are the top 6 interesting facts you must know before travelling to Sri Lanka. 01 All the Hotels do not provide accommodations There are hundreds of places called hotels if you choose one town in Sri Lanka. However, not all of them are going to offer you a place to sleep. In many places, you call them in your country in different names, such as cafe, restaurant, bar, all are called a hotel in Sri Lanka. So it’s safe to book a place to stay before reaching your destination. 02. Buses are considered as fastest way to travel The trains, buses, and public transportation are considered slow in other countries. But in Sri Lanka, quite the opposite, as buses and trains are considered as fastest and budget budget-friendly way to travel around the country. Especially if you are travelling in city areas, it’ll be easy for you to use buses. 03 Sri Lankans eat rice and curry for breakfast, lunch and dinner Don’t be surprised if your hotel offers rice and curry as an option for all three meals. Eating a sweet breakfast isn’t very popular in the country. However, there are plenty of other options you can select, except rice and curry. But you must at least try Sri Lankan rice and curry for once. 04 Sri Lankans nod their head as a response Sometimes you may get confused when someone nods without answering. Nodding for an answer is a very common gesture in Sri Lanka and India, but the nod in Sri Lanka and the Indian nod are different. Because the direction and the frequency tell a different story. 05 Weather can be changed any time Even though the country has two monsoon periods, some areas in the country can receive rain throughout the year. Also, some areas in the country are very hot and do not receive rain for months. Not only that foggy rainy weather affect the scenery of some places like Sigiriya and Ambuluwawa. So it’s safe to keep an umbrella or a raincoat inside your bag. 06 You have different places to keep your shoes before entering a religious place It is a common practice in Sri Lanka to remove shoes before entering a house. However, you must take off your shoes before entering a religious place. So don’t be surprised to see a separate place to keep your shoes before entering a religious place. Hope you enjoyed these details. Stay with us to know more amazing facts about Sri Lanka
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: