Sri Lanka: A Paradise for Birdwatching with Rich Biodiversity and Stunning National Parks
Sri Lanka, a small island located just off the southern coast of India, has become an increasingly popular destination for birdwatching enthusiasts from around the world. Known for its rich biodiversity, Sri Lanka offers a unique opportunity to explore over 430 bird species, including 34 that are endemic to the island. The country’s diverse landscapes—ranging from lowland rainforests and coastal wetlands to montane cloud …
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As Sri Lanka’s economy pivots from tourism, it’s well placed to benefit from global trade and geopolitical jostling – new research
With its natural beauty, wildlife and culture, Sri Lanka is known as the “pearl of the Indian Ocean”, and attracts millions of tourists every year. But my research suggests that the country might not be so reliant on tourism in the future, as it looks to become a major player in global maritime trade. The island’s numerous harbours and enviable location along international sea routes have led …
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Out-of-range albatross makes a highlight in the revival of seabird watching in Sri Lanka
See All Key Ideas COLOMBO — Young birder Lahiru Walpita begins most of his days at dawn by scanning the skies for seabirds along the coastline in northern Sri Lanka. In July 2024, during one of his routine beach surveys, Walpita noticed a large bird trailing a fishing vessel. It circled gracefully with wings outstretched, before vanishing into the horizon, …
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The self-drive tuk-tuks transforming travel in Sri Lanka
A local startup is helping travellers experience Sri Lanka like a local – and changing lives in the process. I had pictured what my journey from the highlands of Ella to the Unesco city of Kandy would look like, but this was even better. The looping mountain roads stretched out before me as I drove through palm tree-lined valleys and …
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As Tourism Surges in Sri Lanka, Locals Are Asking Who Truly Benefits
The island nation hopes to attract over 3 million visitors in 2025, but amid segregation and rising prices, many in the country worry about the impact of further rapid expansion In December, Dutch traveler Tom Grond posted a short video on his Instagram account. “I found Bali 2.0 in Sri Lanka,” he wrote. In the reel, one could see a …
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Prioritise People based Constitution making- A depoliticised method
By Bernard Fernando It is well known that the silent majority of the sovereign voters across the country elected the new President and his team as the only political party fully committed to creating a new political, public and media culture through a series of crucial ‘Political and Electoral System Changes’ via a New Constitution ‘by the People and for …
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How to hike the Pekoe Trail in Sri Lanka
In the heart of Sri Lanka, far away from the bustle of the beaches or the calm of the cultural sites, is a region where the fragrance of tea wafts gently in the air. This is the Hill Country, where a new hiking trail connects visitors with locals, and showcases the story of Ceylon tea to the world. The Pekoe Trail runs for over …
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A ‘hike for everyone’: The 300km route shining a spotlight on Sri Lanka’s tea history
The recently opened Pekoe Trail, which runs for more than 300km through tea plantations, villages and forests, tells the story of Sri Lanka’s complex and chequered tea history. The sun is bright and harsh on my face when I stop to admire the view – okay, to catch my breath – at the top of the steep path. How is …
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The Policies of Sri Lanka’s New Government: a Historic Opportunity Lost
Can you give us a quick summary of the crisis in Sri Lanka in 2022? It began with a popular revolt in March-April 2022 which continued through July of that year. The revolt was the result of several shocks undergone by the country which caused a serious economic crisis, with: The combined effects of these factors resulted in a general …
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15 of the best things to do in Sri Lanka
Climb a sacred mountain, lounge on a deserted beach, or embark on a rail journey through scenic tea country. All this and more awaits in Sri Lanka, the most serendipitous of islands… Nicknamed the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is certainly a hidden gem, with just under 1.5 million tourists visiting in 2023. Known for its spectacular tea …
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