Economy

Sri Lanka Among World’s Top 50 Food Destinations for 2026

Published

2 months ago

July 15, 2026

Sri Lanka has been recognised among the Top 50 Food Destinations Around the World for 2026, earning a place on an international ranking compiled by global travel publication Travel And Tour World (TTW).

The ranking, which identified the world’s leading culinary tourism destinations, evaluated countries based on a range of factors including food heritage, regional diversity, street food culture, fine dining, local ingredients, sustainability, beverage traditions, cultural authenticity, destination appeal, and overall traveller experience.

Sri Lanka was ranked 50th on the list, with TTW highlighting the island’s vibrant culinary landscape shaped by aromatic spices, tropical ingredients, and centuries of cultural influences.

In its assessment, TTW noted that Sri Lanka offers unforgettable dining experiences ranging from bustling street-food stalls to elegant coastal restaurants, making it an attractive destination for food-focused travellers.

The publication singled out several Sri Lankan destinations renowned for their unique culinary offerings. Colombo was recognised for its rice and curry, kottu roti, hoppers, and fresh seafood, while Galle was praised for its seafood dishes, traditional Sri Lankan curries, and colonial-era dining experiences.

Kandy was highlighted for authentic local cuisine, traditional sweets, and rice and curry, while Negombo gained recognition for its seafood curries, grilled fish, and lagoon-inspired specialities.

The ranking also featured Ella for its organic produce and hill-country dining experiences, Jaffna for its celebrated crab curry, dosas, and distinctive Tamil-influenced flavours, and Mirissa for its fresh seafood and beachfront dining culture.

In addition, Nuwara Eliya was recognised for its tea-inspired cuisine, pastries, and colonial culinary traditions, while Hikkaduwa and Trincomalee were praised for their seafood offerings and coastal dining experiences.

TTW described Sri Lanka as a destination where culinary traditions, local ingredients, and cultural diversity come together to create a distinctive food tourism experience that appeals to international travellers seeking authentic flavours.

The recognition places Sri Lanka alongside some of the world’s most celebrated culinary destinations and provides a further boost to the country’s tourism industry, which has increasingly been promoting food tourism as a key attraction for international visitors.

Economy

Vehicle imports generate Rs. 512.5 billion in tax revenue

Published

1 day ago

September 8, 2026

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Sri Lanka imported 316,000 vehicles during the first six months of 2026, generating Rs. 512.547 billion in tax revenue, according to officials from Sri Lanka Customs.

The figures were revealed during a review of the operations and revenue performance of Sri Lanka Customs by the Parliamentary Committee on Ways and Means.

Of the total tax revenue generated through vehicle imports, motor vehicles imports accounted for the largest share, contributing Rs. 386.726 billion.

Petrol-powered cars with engine capacities below 1,000cc emerged as the highest revenue-generating category, contributing Rs. 137.4 billion in Customs revenue. This represented 9.96% of total Customs revenue.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Customs recorded total revenue of Rs. 1.379 trillion by June 30, 2026, against an expected revenue of Rs. 1.061 trillion for the period, representing 130% of the targeted revenue.

Officials informed the committee that customs revenue had exceeded monthly targets throughout the year and had recorded higher revenue compared with the corresponding months of 2025.

Economy

Rs. 5.8bn World Bank-backed project to rehabilitate 296 irrigation tanks

Published

3 days ago

September 6, 2026

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Sri Lanka has begun rehabilitating 296 minor irrigation tanks under a World Bank-funded programme aimed at strengthening irrigation infrastructure and improving climate resilience.

More than Rs. 5.8 billion has been allocated for the work under the Integrated Rurban Development and Climate Resilience Project (IRDCRP), which is planned to continue until 2029.

Of the 296 tanks, 290 are located across 18 districts and were damaged by Cyclone Ditwah. About Rs. 5.58 billion has been allocated for their rehabilitation under the project’s Contingent Emergency Response Component.

The largest number of affected tanks is in Badulla, where 97 are being rehabilitated, followed by Ratnapura with 29, Mannar with 24 and Kurunegala with 19. Fifteen tanks each are being rehabilitated in Kandy and Vavuniya.

A further six minor irrigation tanks in Polonnaruwa, Hambantota and Jaffna are also being rehabilitated at a cost of about Rs. 256.2 million.

Economy

Sri Lanka exports to India grow 7.2% to USD 669mn in first seven months

Published

5 days ago

September 4, 2026

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Sri Lanka’s merchandise exports to India increased by 7.22% year-on-year during the first seven months of 2026, reaching US$669.36 million, according to data from the Export Development Board (EDB).

Exports to India during the January-July period rose from US$624.31 million recorded during the corresponding period of 2025.

In July alone, exports to India increased by 9.12% year-on-year to US$129.51 million, compared with US$118.69 million in July 2025.

The EDB said the cumulative growth in exports to India was mainly supported by increased shipments of boilers, piston engines, pumps and vacuum pumps, petroleum oils, animal feed and base metal products.

The growth also came amid a broader expansion in Sri Lanka’s exports to the South Asian region.

Exports to South Asian markets increased by 11.98% year-on-year to US$916.55 million during the January-July 2026 period.