Sri Lanka travel news

Ada Derana · Oct 6, 2026

Landslide blocks railway line between Peradeniya and Gelioya

NewsFirst · Oct 5, 2026

Train Services Temporarily Suspended Between Rambukkana & Peradeniya

Train services between Rambukkana and Peradeniya on the Upcountry Railway Line have been temporarily suspended. This is following a train derailment between Ihalakotte and Kadigamuwa. Sri Lanka Railways Spokesperson A…

NewsFirst · Oct 5, 2026

Channel News Asia Puts Sri Lanka's Safari Tourism in the Global Spotlight

Sri Lanka's wildlife tourism has once again captured international attention, with Channel News Asia highlighting the island as one of Asia's most compelling safari destinations, offering visitors far more than the fa…

NewsFirst · Oct 5, 2026

Upcountry Train Services Suspended Following Derailment

A train travelling from Peradeniya to Colombo Fort has derailed between Ihala Kotte and Kadigamuwa. Sri Lanka Railways Spokesperson Asanka Samarasinghe said train services on the Upcountry Line have been temporarily s…

Newswire · Sep 28, 2026

Sri Lanka targets 4 million tourists, US$8 billion in revenue by 2030 – PM

The Government is targeting four million tourist arrivals annually and US$8 billion in tourism revenue by 2030, Prime Minister Harini Continue Reading

Lanka Business Online · Sep 11, 2026

Vipul Misra appointed as acting CEO of SriLankan Airlines

Vipul Misra has been appointed Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SriLankan Airlines, with effect from today (9 September). Bringing over two decades of aircraft engineering and aviation leadership experience, Mi…

Lanka Business Online · Sep 8, 2026

Vietjet’s three-day 9.9 sale offers fares from USD90 on flights to Vietnam

Vietjet is giving Sri Lankan travellers another reason to plan their next trip, with a three-day 9.9 sale featuring Eco tickets from USD90 one-way (inclusive of taxes and fees) and 22% off Deluxe base fares on its new…

Newswire · Sep 7, 2026

Unique demonstration in Europe promotes Sri Lanka tourism

A unique demonstration by a group of Sri Lankans living across Europe has drawn attention by urging foreigners to visit Continue Reading

Newswire · Aug 14, 2026

Sri Lanka eyes 2027 Cricket World Cup to promote tourism, Ceylon Tea

Sri Lanka is exploring plans to use the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in South Africa as a platform Continue Reading

Lanka Business Online · Aug 14, 2026

Vietjet brings its award-recognised brand and signature red uniform to Sri Lanka with new Colombo route

As Vietjet prepares to launch its direct route between Colombo and Ho Chi Minh City on 18 August 2026, the airline is celebrating two recent honours from the 2026 Flyers’ Choice Awards, organised by AirlineRatings: “F…

Newswire · Aug 11, 2026

Miss Polski 2026 highlights Sri Lanka’s attractions

Sri Lanka featured prominently at the Miss Polski 2026 grand final gala, held in the historic Polish city of Nowy Continue Reading

Newswire · Aug 5, 2026

Delft Island to become Sri Lanka’s first zero emission eco‑tourism destination

The Government of Sri Lanka has unveiled plans to transform Delft Island into the country’s first Zero Emission eco‑tourism destination, Continue Reading

Newswire · Jul 16, 2026

Deputy Minister invites tourists to experience Uva Paranagama’s Pekoe Trail

Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe has invited the public and international visitors to experience the scenic beauty of Uva Continue Reading

Lanka Business Online · Jul 8, 2026

Emirates to double its A350 operations in Colombo from August

Emirates will introduce a second daily A350 service between Dubai and Colombo from 8 August, further elevating the travel experience for customers with more options to experience the airline’s latest-generation aircra…

Lanka Business Online · Jun 25, 2026

Vietjet opens bookings for first-ever direct flights between Sri Lanka and Vietnam

Vietjet has opened bookings with special launch fares for its new Colombo–Ho Chi Minh City route, scheduled to commence on 18 August 2026. The service will be the first scheduled direct air connection between Sri Lank…

Lanka Business Online · Jun 22, 2026

FitsAir commences only direct air service between Colombo and Ahmedabad

FitsAir officially commenced direct operations between Colombo and Ahmedabad on 19th June 2026, becoming the only airline to offer non-stop flights between the two cities. Operating three times weekly, the new service…

Lanka Business Online · Jun 11, 2026

Sri Lanka’s Newest Cargo Carrier ‘WEAIR’ Launches Operations with Luxembourg Backing

Sri Lanka’s aviation and logistics sector marked an expansion with the official launch of ‘WEAIR’, the country’s newest cargo airline. The venture officially commenced operations on June 6, 2026, during an inauguratio…

Newswire · Jun 10, 2026

Central Province tourism plan to boost three zones

A comprehensive tourism promotion plan covering three zones of the Central Province is being prepared, with the aim of developing Continue Reading

Newswire · Jun 9, 2026

Tourism revenue not declining, but data now more accurate – Vijitha Herath

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism Vijitha Herath told Parliament today (09) that Sri Lanka’s tourism revenues have not declined, Continue Reading

Lanka Business Online · Jun 9, 2026

Sri Lanka Tourism Revenues Stable, Minister Clarifies

Sri Lanka’s tourism revenues have not declined, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath told Parliament on Tuesday, explaining that recent figures reflect a shift to internationally recognized survey methodologies rather than…

Lanka Business Online · Jun 8, 2026

Flavours of a new Colombo: Inside the dining experiences of City of Dreams

Colombo has long been known for its diversity of flavour. From bustling street food corners to fine dining establishments overlooking the Indian Ocean, the city’s culinary identity has steadily evolved alongside its g…

Newswire · Jun 8, 2026

Sri Lanka records highest‑ever tourist arrivals in May

Sri Lanka’s tourism has marked a historic achievement, with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) reporting 145,745 international visitors Continue Reading

Newswire · Jun 2, 2026

Sri Lanka Tourism holds Roadshows in major cities in Poland

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, in coordination with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Warsaw, held a series of Continue Reading

TTG Asia · May 28, 2026

Sri Lanka expands visa-free entry to 40 countries

Sri Lanka is offering a free 30-day visa to nationals of 40 countries from May 25, providing a boost to the tourism industry amid the impact of the Middle East crisis on travel demand. The countries include the UK, Ge…

Lanka Business Online · May 8, 2026

Vietjet Air announces Colombo – Ho Chi Minh City route, strengthening Sri Lanka – Vietnam cooperation

Vietjet Air, Vietnamese new-age hybrid airline, has announced its first direct service connecting Colombo to Ho Chi Minh City at the Sri Lanka – Vietnam Trade, Investment and Tourism Cooperation Forum. The announcemen…

Newswire · Mar 16, 2026

Japanese delegation visits Sri Lanka to promote tourism

A Japanese delegation of 11 members, in Sri Lanka for tourism promotion under the coordination of Connaissance De Ceylan, one Continue Reading

Newswire · Mar 16, 2026

Sri Lanka Tourism Alliance launches ‘Love Sri Lanka, Always’ campaign to promote year‑round travel

The Sri Lanka Tourism Alliance has launched its latest tactical campaign burst, “Love Sri Lanka, Always,” positioning the island as Continue Reading

Newswire · Mar 16, 2026

Tourism sector to get special QR code fuel system : Deputy Minister

Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe says a special QR code system will be introduced for the tourism sector to Continue Reading

Lanka Business Online · Mar 5, 2026

Emirates Scales Back Operations Amid Partial Airspace Reopening

Dubai-based carrier Emirates has confirmed it is running a reduced flight schedule until further notice, following the partial reopening of regional airspace. The airline emphasized that safety remains its top priorit…

Newswire · Feb 25, 2026

Harsha warns against unlicensed foreign businesses in Sri Lanka

Opposition MP Harsha de Silva has raised alarm over what he termed a “tourism paradox” in Sri Lanka, where visitor Continue Reading

Newswire · Feb 11, 2026

Sri Lanka Tourism highlights major value leakages in sector

Sri Lanka Tourism says its latest assessment shows that nearly one-third of tourism‑generated value in the accommodation, travel agents/tour operators, Continue Reading

Newswire · Jan 5, 2026

Sri Lanka earns nearly USD 11 Bn from Tourism and Foreign Employment in 2025

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath says Sri Lanka has earned nearly USD 11 billion in Continue Reading

Newswire · Dec 31, 2025

Sri Lanka named among world’s 10 happiest travel destinations

Sri Lanka has been named among the world’s 10 destinations where travellers feel happiest, according to a new list published Continue Reading

Lanka Business Online · Dec 25, 2025

Nine Direct Flights to Bring Tourists from Moldova to Mattala This Winter, Says Former Ambassador

Vision Air has finalized plans to operate nine direct flights from Moldova to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) this winter season, according to Udayanga Weeratunga, the former Sri Lankan Ambassador. Acco…

Newswire · Dec 15, 2025

‘Sri Lanka is Ready’ tourism revival showcased at Dubai travel meet

The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai hosted a high-level breakfast meeting recently (12), bringing together leading travel trade Continue Reading

TTG Asia · Nov 28, 2025

Adverse weather impacts Sri Lanka’s tourism activities

Winds and incessant rain sweeping across Sri Lanka, causing widespread disruption and loss of life, have also disrupted tourism movement and activities in popular scenic spots, reported industry operators. According t…

Lanka Business Online · Oct 28, 2025

Jaffna named among the Best Cities to Visit in 2026

The global travel media giant Lonely Planet has announced its prestigious annual list of destinations under the “Best in Travel 2026” publication, naming Jaffna among the Best Cities to Visit in 2026. This recognition…