News

Record number of tourist arrivals so far this year

Published

9 months ago

2025/08/1

Sri Lanka has welcomed over 1.3 million international tourists so far this year, according to the latest data released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).From Jan 1 to July 27, a total of 1,341,953 tourists visited the country, marking a significant milestone in tourism recovery and growth.

Indian nationals continued to be the largest group of visitors, accounting for 274,919 arrivals, reflecting the strong ties between the two countries and India’s ongoing popularity as a source market for Sri Lanka.

However, visitors from other key markets have also contributed to the robust growth in tourist numbers. Significant arrivals have been recorded from the United Kingdom, Russia, Germany, China, France, Australia, and the Netherlands, with these countries continuing to show a steady interest in Sri Lanka as a prime travel destination.

The month of July also saw a surge in visitor numbers, with 173,909 tourists arriving during the first 27 days of the month alone. The highest daily number of arrivals for the month was recorded on July 26, when Sri Lanka welcomed a total of 7,579 visitors, marking a peak in tourism activity.

The SLTDA has expressed optimism about the continued growth of the tourism sector, which plays a vital role in Sri Lanka’s economy. Authorities attribute the rise in tourist arrivals to various initiatives aimed at boosting the country’s appeal, including marketing campaigns, the easing of travel restrictions, and ongoing improvements to tourism infrastructure.

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Singapore Zoo’s first Sri Lankan leopard cubs make their public debut

Published

6 hours ago

2026/04/16

Priyan

The Sri Lankan leopard cubs can be found at the Wild Africa exhibit with their mother daily until mid-May and, subsequently, every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday (Straits Times)

Three Sri Lankan leopard cubs that were born at the Singapore Zoo on Jan 1 have now made their public debut at the facility.

The two males and one female, born to mother Yala and father Asanka, are the first of their species yo be born at the Singapore Zoo. The last successful birth in Singapore was recorded at the Night Safari three decades ago.

The triplets, which are the pair’s first litter, are among around 80 Sri Lankan leopards in zoos worldwide.

The species is listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, with fewer than 800 individuals estimated to remain in the wild.

Visitors can now see the triplets at the Wild Africa exhibit, said the Mandai Wildlife Group in a statement on April 16.

The cubs can be found in the exhibit with their mother daily until mid-May and, subsequently, every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.

*Yala with her cubs in their nest box, a month after their birth on Jan 1. (Straits Times)*

A leopard cub investigating a piece of meat suspended from a tree – one of the several enrichment items in the Wild Africa exhibit designed to keep the cats mentally and physically stimulated. (Straits Times)

Mandai Wildlife Group curator Anand Kumar said it took nearly three years and close collaboration across continents to bring together a compatible pair of Sri Lankan leopards.

(Straits Times)

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapore-zoos-first-sri-lankan-leopard-cubs-make-their-public-debut?ref=top-stories

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Sri Lanka Navy seize multi day fishing craft suspected of smuggling narcotics

Published

7 hours ago

2026/04/16

Priyan

The Sri Lanka Navy has seized a local multi- day fishing trawler, it’s four man crew together with a consignment suspected to be narcotics off the Southern Coast of the island.

The vessel is presently being escorted to the Dikowita fisheries harbour for further investigations and legal proceedings.

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district

Published

1 day ago

2026/04/16

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 15 April 2026, valid for 16 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern
and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491