Business
2023 seen as one of the best years for Sri Lankan tourism
Sri Lankan tourism, the third highest foreign exchange earner in the country, is seeing successes in tourism arrivals as never before, even comparable to pre pandemic levels. 2018 was considered one of the best years for Sri Lankan tourism in achieving tourist arrivals but the current year with upswelling tourist arrivals has made the tourism industry experience an increase in revenue besides creating more employment opportunities, a Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) press release said.
The release adds: ‘Increasing tourism attractions and initiatives implemented to encourage more tourists to Sri Lanka as one of the most renowned travel destinations in the world have resulted these accomplishments.
‘With continuous promotional efforts by Sri Lanka Tourism and stakeholders, the tourism sector has seen a considerable growth in the recent times. The year 2023 was probably one of the best years in the Sri Lanka Tourism Calendar by reaching more than 100,000 tourist arrivals each month, except in May 2023, which was 83,309. December 2023 saw the highest number of tourist arrivals in a month to the destination which hit an astounding 210,352 arrivals, making 2023 a record year of 1,487,303 arrivals, which is a testimony to the tourism sector’s future growth.
‘This can be taken as an excellent outcome after Sri Lanka Tourism went through challenges and obstacles during the past few years, such as the COVID 19 pandemic, 2019 Easter attacks and the 2022 economic crisis. Despite these challenges Sri Lanka Tourism was determined to steer ahead by spreading the positive message all across the world that, ‘’Sri Lanka is ready and safe’’. It was indeed a strenuous task to cast off all the negative impressions circulating among some media about the destination. But with the promotional efforts done by Sri Lanka Tourism, it has reached a stage where tourists would now grab every opportunity to visit Sri Lanka to experience its amazing travel and holiday opportunities and exquisite attractions.
‘Sri Lanka’s Pekoe Trail was listed as the National Geographic’s title of ‘’Best of the World for 2024’. The Pekoe Trail, which starts from Kandy and ends up in Nuwara Eliya is an exclusive opportunity to witness Sri Lanka’s beautiful central highlands by passing remote villages and lush tea estates spanning an area of approximately 200 miles. Sri Lanka was presented with the Pekoe Trail Award which was another achievement for Sri Lanka Tourism. A replica of the award was presented by the Minister of Tourism, Lands, Sports and Youth Affairs, Harin Fernando at the Brand Launch held last year to the team which contributed a great deal to receive this accolade.’
Business
IceWarp expands into Sri Lanka, fostering European innovation in collaboration with FentonsIT
IceWarp, a global leader in business communication solutions, has officially launched its cutting-edge platform in Sri Lanka, bringing European expertise in email and collaboration solutions to support the country’s evolving business landscape.
This expansion is driven by a strategic partnership with Fentons Information Technology (FIT), the Information Technology arm of Hayleys Fentons Limited.
The grand launch event held at The Kingsbury Colombo on 4th April, 2025, was graced by several distinguished guests, including Chief Guest Mohan Pandithage, Chairman and Chief Executive of Hayleys PLC.
The presence of Adam Paclt, Global CEO of IceWarp, and Pramod Sharda, CEO for India and the Middle East of IceWarp, along with their global team, highlighted the significance of this expansion. Industry experts, government officials, corporate leaders, and CIOs from the banking, financial services and insurance sectors were in attendance as well, reflecting strong local interest in IceWarp’s European expertise.
With this launch, Sri Lankan businesses now have access to an affordable, scalable and secure alternative to Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. IceWarp’s advanced Collaboration Suite integrates a wide range of tools into a single, unified platform designed to streamline communication and boost productivity. Offering flexible hybrid deployment options and cost-efficient solution, IceWarp enables organisations to optimise their operations without compromising security or functionality.
Ceylon Energy and HJT China have successfully completed the Mahiyangana-Kappalthurei 33kV power distribution lines and the Uhana Gantry as part of Sri Lanka’s Supporting Electricity Supply Reliability Improvement Project (SESRIP). Funded by the Asian Development Bank ($42 million), SESRIP aims to expand energy access in underserved regions, including conflict-affected areas and provinces like Uva and North Central.
The project’s infrastructure spans over 270 km of 33kV lines, 13 switching gantries, and 2,372 km of low-voltage extensions.
The projects connect 35,000+ households and improve reliability for 493,000+ consumers; integrates renewables to reduce losses.
The projects’ notable components include: Mahiyangana-Bibila Line: 36 km with 147 steel towers and Kappalthurei-Sixth Mile Post Line: 14 km with 58 towers.
Ceylon Energy Chairman Madushanka Fernando hailed it as a ‘new beginning of a brighter era’, emphasising the project’s role in uplifting rural communities and driving sustainable development.
The initiative underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to inclusive, reliable energy and climate resilience.
Eventistry Sports, a trailblazer in innovative sporting events, has unveiled the Sri Lanka Padel League (SLPL), the nation’s first franchise-based padel tournament, set to debut in June 2025. This groundbreaking league promises to redefine Sri Lanka’s sports landscape by creating a dynamic national platform for athletes while fostering unity among fans, brands, and communities.
The SLPL will showcase six franchise teams, each embodying the spirit of iconic Sri Lankan locales: the Colombo Chargers, Yala Rangers, Hikkaduwa Riders, Ella Hawks, Arugambay Vipers, and Trinco Warriors. These teams will not only ignite regional pride but also unite the country through a shared passion for padel—a fast-paced racquet sport merging tennis and squash, played on enclosed courts.
“The SLPL is more than a league; it’s a movement,” declared Karin Wijeratne, Director of Eventistry Sports. “By blending franchise sports with Sri Lanka’s vibrant culture, we’re creating a platform where players gain national recognition, fans rally behind their hometown heroes, and brands engage with communities in meaningful ways.”
The league’s launch on June 21–23, 2025, at Colombo’s Padel House courts (CR&FC) will kick off with three days of high-octane matches, preceded by a star-studded player auction on May 16th at The Vault, Colombo City Centre. Local talent—both professional and intermediate—will be drafted by franchise owners, with international registrations now open to elevate the competition’s global appeal.
Please log in to: www.slpadelleague.com and social media: @SriLankaPadelLeague (Facebook & Instagram) for more information.
IPL 2025: Siraj, Gill and Washington hand Sunrisers fourth successive defeat
The sun will be directly overhead Colombo, Awissawella, Talawakelle, Dimbula, Galakumbura and Dambagalla at about 12:12 noon today [07]
Heavy rainfall of above 100 mm is likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, Uva and North-central provinces and in Ampara district
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