New domestic airline receives AOC for Colombo–Jaffna passenger operations

David Peiris Aviation (Pvt) Ltd, a newly established domestic airline and a subsidiary of the David Peiris Group, has officially received its Aircraft Operator Certificate (AOC) and operations specifications (Ops-Specs) from the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) to operate scheduled domestic passenger flights after obtaining the Airline License.

Sri Lanka Tourism surges in early June as sector awaits gathering storm from M.east conflict

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector registered robust growth in the first ten days of June, welcoming 43,962 visitors.

SLPA showcases East Container Terminal at Tianjin International Shipping Expo 2025

The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) showcases the Colombo East Container Terminal, along with the other existing terminals, at Tianjin International Shipping Expo 2025. The SLPA team,

SriLankan Airlines says compelled to make changes to European routes

Due to the escalating tensions in the Middle East, the airspace in certain parts of the region has been closed.

South Asia celebrates World Ocean Day

Greenpeace South Asia marked World Oceans Day 2025 with a celebration at Gintota Beach in Galle, where a stunning gathering of kayaks featuring a majestic turtle took center stage to highlight the critical role the ocean plays in sustaining biodiversity, regulating the climate, and supporting coastal communities.

Emirates reaffirms long-term commitment to SL’s tourism industry

Emirates and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), at the Arabian Travel Market 2025, renewed their partnership aimed at further developing the country’s tourism and trade industries. The partnership was sealed through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two parties.

Sri Lanka eyes Chinese and Southeast Asian tourism boom with Alipay+

Sri Lanka is making its biggest digital payments push yet, to attract the free-spending Chinese and Southeast Asian tourists, with the launch of Alipay+ across the island’s merchant network.

Sri Lanka confident in tourism surpassing 2018 peak

Sri Lanka is confident that the tourism industry will surpass the 2018 peak if the current momentum in tourist arrivals earnings continue, authorities said.

July tourist arrival rate increases, crossing 127,000 mark in 21 days

The month of July continues to witness an increased momentum in tourist arrivals as the number of international visitors to the country for the first three weeks crossed the 127,000 mark.

Colombo Port congestion lowers transshipment volumes for second consecutive month

The transshipment volumes declined for the second straight month in June this year, as some services rerouted to avoid the heavy congestion at the Port of Colombo.

SLTDA inks MoUs with key agencies to boost tourism

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) together with the Tourism Ministry yesterday signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with four key stakeholder agencies, to further strengthen the recovering tourism sector.

SLTPB gears up to award tenders for tourism PR and digital campaigns

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau (SLTPB) yesterday said that the tenders for the public relations campaigns and six-month digital campaigns, targeting the key source markets, would be awarded soon.

Shippers’ Council slams successive governments for policy failures

The Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council strongly criticised successive governments for their inconsistent....

HIP showcases strategic vision at Logistics Conference

The Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) recently showcased its strategic vision and accomplishments....

Tourist arrivals cross 85,000 mark in first two weeks of July

The tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka have maintained the upbeat momentum for the month, with the island nation welcoming over 85,000 tourists during July.

SITA AERO in talks to boost BIA efficiency with smart kiosks

As Sri Lanka is on the lookout for avenues to improve passenger services, SITA AERO, a leading technology provider for the air transport industry, shared that it is in discussion with the local authorities to expand smart self-service kiosks and self-bag drop facilities.

Fitch halts rating for SriLankan Airlines

Fitch Ratings yesterday announced it has chosen to withdraw the rating of SriLankan Airlines for commercial reasons and therefore will no longer provide ratings or analytical coverage for the national carrier.

SL Customs to resolve container backlog by evening

Sri Lanka Customs, addressing recent delays from the ‘Go Slow’ campaign, has announced that efforts...

Hambantota Port records significant 1H gain in LPG, bunker volumes 

Hambantota International Port (HIP) reported a strong performance in the first half of the year (1H24) with significant growth in LPG operations and bunker volumes, highlighting its expanding capabilities.

SL ranks among top 10 for affordable travel in Asia

Sri Lanka has been ranked as one of the top 10 most affordable destinations to travel in Asia by Times of India.

John Keells Logistics launches innovative fleet management operation for DHL Express Sri Lanka

John Keells Logistics (JKLL), a leading provider of 3PL services in Sri Lanka, launched a new fleet management operation in partnership with DHL Express Sri Lanka earlier this year.

SL's new visa fee does not discourage int’l visitors: VFS Global

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has expressed serious concerns over the government’s decision to outsource visa issuance, making entry slightly more expensive.

South Korea relaxes travel advisory to SL

South Korea yesterday announced it has changed the travel advisory to Sri Lanka, due to the improved.....

Sri Lanka crosses 1 million tourist arrival mark

Sri Lanka tourism reached a key milestone on Saturday, welcoming its one millionth tourist for 2024.

Maersk announces booking window change for Asia Pacific trades 

Maersk, one of the world’s largest shipping companies, yesterday announced a change to its booking window for Asia-Pacific (APA) trades.

Ambitious plans underway to make SL a ‘happening’ tourist destination

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is gearing up for a major transformation, as the authorities unveil an ambitious plan to make the country one of the world’s most dynamic and sought-after destinations.

Sri Lanka opens doors to Indian tourists with virtual Unified Payments Interface launch via LankaQR

In a groundbreaking move aimed at enhancing the convenience and security of digital payments for Indian tourists in Sri Lanka, a virtual launch event marked the introduction of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions through LankaQR yesterday.

SriLankan Airlines confirms safe return of UL 605

National carrier SriLankan Airlines confirmed that flight UL 605 from Melbourne to Colombo made a safe return back to the Melbourne Airport.

January tourism revenue soars to pre-pandemic peak

In a promising sign for Sri Lanka’s economy, tourism earnings soared to a pre-pandemic peak of US$ 341.8 million in January....

Sri Lanka to extend free visa regime beyond March

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) is looking to extend the free Visa regime for tourists beyond March ....