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Economy

NLB records 25% revenue growth in first half of 2025

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The National Lotteries Board (NLB) has reported a revenue increase of more than 25% in the first six months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, with income rising by Rs. 4.9 billion.

NLB’s total revenue for the first half of 2025 stood at Rs. 22 billion, of which Rs. 11 billion was paid out as prize money—exactly half of the income. This marks a 30% increase compared to Rs. 8.9 billion paid in prizes during the first six months of 2024.

Payments to the Government Consolidated Fund rose by Rs. 536 million, while VAT, income tax and social security contribution tax together increased by Rs. 385 million year-on-year. Commission payments to lottery sellers also climbed by Rs. 1 billion, bringing their earnings to Rs. 4.4 billion in the first half of 2025, compared to Rs. 3.4 billion in the same period last year.

Economy

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

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Economy

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

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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.

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Economy

Galle ranks fifth among top 10 honeymoon destinations for 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.

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