Economy

Oracle Corporation pledges support for Sri Lanka’s digitalisation

Published

1 year ago

February 13, 2025

The Oracle Corporation expressed its willingness to support Sri Lanka’s digitalization by providing Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI).

The announcement was made during the World Governments Summit held in the United Arab Emirates yesterday (11).

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met with the Executive Vice Chairman of Oracle Corporation Mike Sicilia. The discussion focused on Sri Lanka’s digital transformation, the adoption of fintech services, and cloud infrastructure to enhance economic and governance efficiency.

President Dissanayake invited Oracle to establish a sovereign Oracle Cloud region in Sri Lanka to host government applications, e-governance facilities and a national data system while ensuring data sovereignty and regulatory compliance.

The President and Oracle’s Executive Vice Chairman also discussed laying the foundation for fintech and digital payment solutions to accelerate Sri Lanka’s transition to a cashless economy. As part of this initiative, President Disanayake invited Oracle to establish a Digital Transformation Hub in Colombo Port City, which would function as South Asia’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cloud Hub. He also requested Mike Sicilia to send a team to Sri Lanka to facilitate this initiative.

Recognising Oracle’s regional vision for digital transformation and innovation, the Executive Vice Chairman expressed keen interest in establishing Oracle’s South Asian AI and Cloud Hub in Colombo Port City. He highlighted that this move would strategically position Sri Lanka as a regional leader in AI-driven cloud solutions, fostering public-private partnerships and attracting cutting-edge technology investments.

During the discussion, President Dissanayake reiterated Sri Lanka’s commitment to leveraging new technologies for governance efficiency, economic growth, and global competitiveness. He extended an invitation to Oracle to play a key role in Sri Lanka’s digital transformation journey.

Economy

Sri Lanka records US$ 751.1 million in workers remittances in January 2026

Published

1 week ago

February 9, 2026

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Foreign worker remittances to Sri Lanka reached US$ 751.1 million in January 2026, marking a 31.1% rise from US$ 573.0 million in January 2025, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) said.

The robust start to 2026 comes after a record US$ 8.076 billion in total remittance inflows for 2025.

Economy

Nuwara Eliya Ranks Second on Agoda’s List of Must-Visit Hill Stations in Asia

Published

2 weeks ago

February 7, 2026

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Sri Lanka’s popular hill resort town Nuwara Eliya has been ranked second among Asia’s must-visit hill stations by digital travel platform Agoda, further strengthening the country’s appeal as a scenic travel destination.

Sri Lanka travel guide

Agoda featured Nuwara Eliya in a new travel list promoting highland destinations across Asia that offer cooler climates, natural beauty and peaceful surroundings for travellers seeking a break from busy city life.

Known as “Little England,” Nuwara Eliya attracts both local and foreign visitors with its tea plantations, colonial-era architecture, cool weather and scenic landscapes. Tourists frequently visit the area for its lakes, misty hills and opportunities for relaxation as well as outdoor activities.

Economy

Galle ranks fifth among top 10 honeymoon destinations for 2026

Published

4 weeks ago

January 20, 2026

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Galle has been placed fifth among the world’s top 10 honeymoon destinations for 2026 in the latest rankings released by Tripadvisor.

The ranking forms part of Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best 2026 and is based solely on the volume and quality of traveller reviews submitted over a 12-month period.

Tripadvisor said the list reflects destinations that consistently received strong feedback from honeymoon travellers worldwide.

Beach and island destinations dominate the upper end of the 2026 rankings. Bali secured the top position, followed by Mauritius and the Maldives, with St. Lucia ranked fourth. Galle placed fifth, ahead of several established long-haul honeymoon favourites.

Tripadvisor noted that Galle’s appeal lies in its blend of heritage and coastal experiences. Founded by the Portuguese in the 16th century, Galle Fort remains a key attraction, with preserved ramparts, historic buildings, and walkable streets.