Category: श्रीलंका

December 5, 2023543 Views

The Netherlands returned six artefacts including a cannon, a ceremonial sword and two guns taken from Sri Lanka more than 250 years ago on Tuesday, as part of efforts by the former colonial power to redress historical wrongs, officials said. Sri Lanka asked the Netherlands to return the artefacts after the Dutch government approved the restitution of historic objects in 2021. The artefacts were taken in 1765 from Kandy, the last kingdom of ancient Sri Lanka, when the Dutch besieged the palace, a statement from the Netherlands embassy said. People view colonial-era artefacts that have been returned from the Netherlands, at the main Museum in Colombo, Sri Lanka December 5, 2023. REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte "The objects were wrongfully brought to the Netherlands during the colonia...

It’s time for Sri Lanka

January 25, 2023779 Views

Anantara welcomes returning holidaymakers with wanderlust-Inducing experiences Making its way back to travel bucket lists as it reopens for business, the emerald island of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean is ready for its close-up. To remind the world’s globe-trotting community of the many wonders the destination has to offer, Anantara Kalutara Resort and Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort are inviting holidaymakers to dive into new experiences centred on the commanding presence of the ocean, spirituality and cultural pursuits. Sheltered along Sri Lanka’s breathtaking southern coast, Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort invites guests to rediscover the elusive state of peace and develop the clarity needed to make healthier lifestyle choices with a new three-day Sanjeewana Ayurved...

Ongoing crises make Sri Lanka tourism industry revival uphill task

August 19, 2022491 Views

The travel and tourism sector is an important income generator for Sri Lanka. However, the ongoing economic crisis coupled with Ukraine–Russia war and China’s zero-COVID policy has put the sector in jeopardy. Against this backdrop, the country will face an uphill task in restoring a once thriving sector, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. Tourism accounted for more than 12% of the country’s GDP in 2019 and the third-largest source of foreign exchange reserves - behind worker remittances and the apparel industry. According to GlobalData, international arrivals in Sri Lanka more than quadrupled from 448,000 to 1.9 million between 2009 and 2019, reaching a peak of 2.3 million inbound visitors in 2018. Concurrently, inbound tourism spending increased rapidly from $39...

Find Paradise with Avani Kalutara in Sri Lanka

February 5, 20221039 Views

With international travel to Sri Lanka once again possible, Avani Kalutara Resort is ready to welcome overseas travellers back with ‘Rediscover Avani’ — a new stay package offering savings of 40% on all rooms and suites, complimentary spa moments and savings on high-adrenaline thrills. Originally designed in 1994 by Geoffrey Bawa, one of the most influential Asian architects of his generation, Avani Kalutara’s triton-like layout makes the most of the property’s location in a spectacular lagoon at the confluence of the Kalu River and the Indian Ocean. The resort’s fully-renovated suites, as well as brand-new pool suites with private plunge pools, are dressed in modernist white, accented with purple and cobalt blue. Guests can grab a tropical concoction and settle in by the pool o...

Aman Hotels to reopen in Sri Lanka from November 15

October 28, 2021883 Views

Never before has the escape of travel and discovery - particularly one offering the gentle balm of sun, sand and sea - been quite so appealing as it is right now. For this reason, following a suspension of operations owing to border closures due to COVID-19, Aman is reopening Amangalla and Amanwella from 15 November 2021. The ideal break for those looking for a sense of escapism, and with just 30 and 31 signature rooms and suites respectively, both properties offer a generosity of space, privacy, and peace so intrinsic to Aman. The undisputed queen of Sri Lanka’s sun-drenched southern coastline is the quaint colonial town of Galle, dominated by the imposing Galle Fort since the 1600s, when Dutch settlers strolled its cobbled streets. Today, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Fort i...

Twin elephants born in Sri Lanka in rare occurrence

September 1, 20211001 Views

An elephant in Sri Lanka gave birth to twins on Tuesday for the first time in nearly 80 years, wildlife authorities said. The twins, both males, were born to 25-year-old Surangi at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in the central hills of the country, an orphanage spokesperson said. Their father, 17-year-old Pandu, is also an orphanage resident. Video footage from local Hiru TV media showed the grey calves on their feet and eating leaves around their mother's legs. Sri Lankan elephant experts said twins were last born to a domesticated elephant in the country in 1941. One of Sri Lanka's biggest tourist attractions, Pinnawala was set up in 1975 to care for wild elephants that needed to be rescued or treated for injuries. There are around 7,500 wild elephants in Sri Lanka, whi...

SriLankan Airlines enhances connectivity to key Indian cities

August 25, 20211319 Views

SriLankan Airlines the National Carrier of Sri Lanka and a member of oneworld alliance in a bid to promote greater travel opportunities from India to Sri Lanka, is strengthening its presence in India with more destinations and frequencies offering travelers to enjoy the freedom of travel. SriLankan Airlines currently operates four flights a week from Chennai, three flights a week from Mumbai, and once a week from Bangalore to its hub in Colombo. To strengthen ongoing operations SriLankan will be introducing a host of frequency enhancements out of key Indian cities into Colombo effective September 1, 2021. Currently, India accounts for over 120 million fully vaccinated citizens which has resulted in the reawakening interest in travel. Accordingly, SriLankan Airlines has announ...

Anantara Resorts join Sri Lanka’s international tourism drive

February 2, 2021886 Views

Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas’ award-winning Sri Lankan properties are joining the Indian Ocean island nation’s efforts to lure international travellers back after the reopening of its borders on 21st January 2021. Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort and Anantara Kalutara Resort are among the few internationally branded five-star hotels that have been certified by the government as Level 1 ‘Safe and Secure’ to welcome international travellers as part of the country’s ‘bio-bubble’ approach to kick start tourism. Anantara Kalutara Resort is set welcome international guests from 6th February 2021, and Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort from 22nd February 2021. Under Sri Lanka’s new tourism safety protocols, international travellers have the flexibility to stay in several of ...