Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.
Tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka exceed 1.5 million so far in 2025
Xinhua News Agency
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COLOMBO, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- Tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka have exceeded 1.5 million so far this year, a minister said on Monday. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath said in a post on social media that the...
Dubai travellers tell of days in limbo due to Air Canada strikes
The National News
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Air Canada may have agreed a deal with striking cabin crew and resumed flights, but the dispute caused − and is still causing − major disruption to passengers' travel plans. More than 10,000 flight attendants walked out on Saturday, triggering a...
Chikungunya: what UK travellers should know about this mosquito-borne virus
The Conversation
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August 19, 2025
The UK’s Health Security Agency has advised overseas travellers to take precautions to avoid contracting the potentially severe mosquito-borne virus, Chikungunya. This warning was issued in response to recently published data, which shows that...
The 20 greatest all-inclusive holiday destinations
AOL
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The all-inclusive package at Ozen Life Maadhoo in the Maldives, includes drinks, mini-bar replenishment and moreUnexpected costs on holiday can play havoc with your budget. You may have opted to pay for flights and accommodation upfront, but once...
What is the Chikungunya virus, signs and symptoms, is there a vaccine and how to avoid catching it on holiday
Warwickshire World
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August 19, 2025
There are outbreaks in many holiday hot spots 🦟 There has been an increase in the number of travel-related cases of the chikungunya virus. The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) is warning travellers to be vigilant. This is how to avoid...
WFP Representative and Country Director presents credentials to the Foreign Minister in Sri Lanka
World Food Programme
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COLOMBO – The newly-appointed Representative and Country Director of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Sri Lanka, Philip Ward, has formally presented his letter of credentials to Hon. Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs,...
The Hidden Exploitation of Sri Lanka’s Gem Industry by Chinese Smuggling Rings
NewsDay Zimbabwe
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Sri Lanka’s renowned gem industry, famous for its top-tier gemstones, is facing rampant exploitation, primarily fueled by Chinese involvement. Sri Lanka’s renowned gem industry, famous for its top-tier gemstones, is facing rampant exploitation,...
US, UK, and Bangladesh lead foreign tourist arrivals in India over past five years
Madhyamam
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August 19, 2025
The United States, Bangladesh, and the United Kingdom have emerged as the leading source markets for foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) in India over the past five years, according to government data shared in Parliament. Union Culture Minister...
Neon & Shadows: Sri Lanka’s Grey Economy, Casino for India’s Rich
South Asia Journal
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August 18, 2025
“Sri Lanka can be to India what Macau is to China,” Melco CEO Lawrence Ho said on the night the lights came on. It was August 2 in Colombo. The ballroom glowed like a promise. South Asia’s largest casino was open. I was there at the opening,...
Sri Lanka reports over 250 drowning deaths so far in 2025
Xinhua News Agency
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COLOMBO, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- More than 250 people have died from drowning in Sri Lanka so far this year, police said on Sunday. Police spokesman F. U. Wootler told reporters that 257 people have lost their lives in drowning accidents so far in...
Sri Lanka sees continued growth in tourist arrivals as August figures top 99,000
Lanka News Web
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August 17, 2025
August 17, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka continues to witness a steady rise in international tourist arrivals, with nearly 100,000 visitors entering the country during the first half of August alone. Fresh figures from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development...
Bangladesh among top sources of tourists to India over last five years
The Business Standard
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August 19, 2025
TBS Report 19 August, 2025, 08:05 am Last modified: 19 August, 2025, 08:08 am Bangladesh has consistently ranked as one of the largest sources of foreign tourists to India in recent years, according to official data shared in the Indian...
Sri Lanka’s CEB eyes 145MVA synchronous condensers to absorb renewables
EconomyNext
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August 17, 2025
ECONOMYNEXT – Every year, for so many years, the first thing I would do as soon as I woke up on the 17th of August was to call my dear friend, the late Harry Stassen Jayawardena. Every single time, it started with, “Happy birthday, Lokka.” He...
Invest Sri Lanka Forum draws strong interest in Singapore
Daily FT
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Labour Minister and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Prof. Anil J. Fernando CBSL Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe High Commissioner in Singapore Senarath Dissanayake SEC Chairman Senior Professor D.B.P.H. Dissabandara CSE Director Ray...
Official website of Voyage Sri Lanka 2025 goes live
Daily FT
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The official website of the Voyage Sri Lanka 2025 Conference was launched last week by Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) Chairman and Chief Executive Mangala Wijesinghe at the EDB premises. The website, accessible at www.voyagesrilanka.lk,...
Sri Lanka's service sector accelerates in July on trade, finance, transport growth
Xinhua News Agency
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COLOMBO, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's services sector expanded in July, supported by growth in wholesale and retail trade, financial services, and the transportation of goods, according to the latest Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) released by...
X-Press Pearl parent company challenges $ 1 b Supreme Court Order over disaster
Daily FT
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X-Press Feeders says ruling overlooks failures of SL authorities Charges that judgment holds vessel’s Master and agents as human collateral Alleges ruling risks raising costs for Sri Lankan importers and exporters Singapore-based X-Press Feeders,...
CDC cautions travelers worldwide about a spreading illness
MassLive - Massachusetts
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August 18, 2025
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued multiple travel warnings urging travelers to be careful and get vaccinated against a mosquito-born illness. The CDC says the chikungunya disease has affected areas in Africa, the...
Fits Air Becomes First Sri Lankan Carrier to Begin Operations at VIA Terminal 1
Maldives Business Review
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Fits Air successfully completed its transition to Velana International Airport's Terminal 1 on Saturday, becoming the first Sri Lankan airline to relocate operations from the existing terminal to the New Passenger Terminal facility. The move...
No More Silence: Colombo Rises for Palestine
Groundviews
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August 20, 2025
Photo courtesy of Nisheli Pieris “We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.” Nelson Mandela Many Sri Lankans lead difficult lives, grappling with the ever rising cost of living that puts less food on...