Economy

Jaffna named one of the best places to visit in 2026 by Lonely Planet

Published

6 months ago

October 29, 2025

Jaffna has been named as one of the Top 25 Best Places to Visit in the World for 2026, by global travel publication Lonely Planet.

Jaffna, known as a cultural travel destination has attracted thousands of visitors in recent years.

The selection of Jaffna once again underscores Sri Lanka’s rich cultural and historical heritage and will help authorities’ push towards establishing the country as one of the most sort after tourist destination.

Lonely Planet unveiled its top destinations and experiences for the coming year with the release of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2026.

In Lonely Planet’s new guide, the team of travel experts recommends where to go and what to do in 2026.

The book features 25 must-visit destinations and 25 essential experiences from all around the globe, illustrated with colourful photography, essays and local advice for exploring each place.

Founded in 1970, Lonely Planet is one of the world’s most trusted travel media brands, with more than 150 million guidebooks sold globally and an extensive digital reach.

Economy

Sri Lanka’s tourist arrivals exceed 840,000 so far this year

Published

4 hours ago

April 27, 2026

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The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) stated that the number of tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka so far has crossed the 840,000 mark.

Accordingly, a total of 840,411 tourists have visited the country between January 1 and April 22, 2026.

The highest number of arrivals has been recorded from India, with 176,465 tourists, the SLTDA noted.

A significant number of visitors have also arrived from countries including the United Kingdom, Russia, Germany, and China.

Meanwhile, the SLTDA stated that a total of 99,777 tourists arrived in the country between April 1 and April 22, 2026.

However, the data indicate that daily tourist arrivals in April have declined significantly compared to previous months.

Economy

Haputale restaurant fined Rs. 1 million forover pricing bottled water

Published

14 hours ago

April 27, 2026

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A restaurant in Haputale has been fined Rs. 1 million for selling a bottle of drinking water above the maximum retail price.

The fine was imposed by the Bandarawela Magistrate’s Court on April 24 following a raid conducted by the Consumer Affairs Authority Badulla District Office.

The raid targeted a restaurant owned by a private company on Welimada Road in Haputale. Authorities found that the establishment had sold bottled water at a price exceeding the approved limit.

The court subsequently imposed a fine of Rs. 1,000,000 on the hotel.

Economy

Sri Lanka to Launch First Digital Motor Insurance Card from May 1

Published

2 days ago

April 25, 2026

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Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development has announced that the country’s first digital motor insurance card will be introduced from May 1.

The Ministry stated that this initiative represents a significant step toward advancing national digitalization while also enhancing public safety.

By replacing physical plastic cards, the move is also expected to contribute to environmental sustainability across the country.

The Ministry added that the digital motor insurance card will be officially launched in collaboration with the Insurance Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka, the Insurance Association of Sri Lanka, and the Sri Lanka Police.