Economy

Most businesses involving Israelis are Sri Lankan owned – Authorities

Published

6 months ago

August 7, 2025

Amidst growing concern of foreigners illegally engaged in businesses in Sri Lanka, majority of businesses involving Israelis are owned by Sri Lankans, authorities revealed.
According to acting director of the Police Tourist Division, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Prabath Vidanagama, while some of these ventures are solely run by foreigners, many are fronted by locals.

“In certain cases, the businesses are registered under Sri Lankans, but in reality, the operations are handled by foreigners. This is a concerning issue. However, we have already taken steps in cases where the businesses are completely owned and operated by foreign nationals,” ASP Vidanagama stated.

He said that police, in coordination with other enforcement agencies, have begun identifying foreigners involved in business activities, particularly in tourism hotspots such as Arugam Bay and Weligama.

These individuals, often operating under tourist visas, are violating conditions that strictly prohibit commercial engagement.

“We are currently gathering intelligence and verifying the details of foreign nationals who are engaged in business ventures while staying in the country on tourist visas,” he said. “This is especially prevalent in tourist-heavy areas like Arugam Bay and Weligama.”
The move comes in the wake of growing public concern, following reports that several Israeli nationals had been operating businesses while in Sri Lanka on tourist visas.

Source – Dailymirror

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.