Migration Scams Rampant in Sri Lanka-by Niruni de Mel Source:Thuppahis in The Island, 16 February 2024 … where the title runs thus: “Scammed and Stranded: The Dark Side of Sri Lanka’s Migration Industry” A fisherman from the quiet town of Mannar sold his mother’s, sisters’, and sister-in-law’s jewelry and, with a loan from his brother, paid a migration agent Rs. 12.8 million for a Canadian visa. Months later, he discovered the agent had vanished, leaving his family in crippling debt and his dreams in ruins. His story is not unique. Across Sri Lanka, countless desperate individuals fall prey to fraudulent migration schemes, losing their life savings in the process. The Rise of Migration Fraud Within the districts of Mannar, Mulativu, and Batticaloa, over 320 million rupees have been stolen under the guise of issuing visas, highlighting the alarming scale of migration fraud in Sri Lanka. As of October 2024, as many as 95 cases have been lodged with the ...

Read More →

Shadows to Sunshine: Why Sri Lanka’s Colombo & Negombo Will Steal Your Heart From Dark Shadows to Sunshine: The Resilience and Renewal of Sri Lanka’s Colombo & Negombo As the pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka has long been a beloved destination for travelers seeking a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. However, the country has faced its fair share of challenges in recent years, from the tragic 2019 Easter bombings to the global COVID-19 pandemic and social unrest. Despite these setbacks, Sri Lanka’s spirit remains unbroken, as evidenced by the resilience and warmth of its people, and the ongoing renewal of its most beloved locales, such as Colombo and Negombo. Colombo, the country’s bustling commercial capital, is a city that embodies the quintessential Sri Lankan experience. With its rich tapestry of history, culture, and modernity, Colombo has always been a must-visit destination for travelers near and ...

Read More →

Sri Lanka has welcomed its 2 millionth tourist Source :  Our Economics LinkedIn Congratulations Sri Lanka . Sri Lanka has welcomed its 2 millionth tourist who arrived from Bangkok this year, at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), after a five-year gap. This marks the fourth time in history that annual tourist arrivals have surpassed 2 million, with previous instances occurring in 2016, 2017 and 2018.   Click here to receive your free copy of the eLanka Newsletter twice a week delivered directly to your inbox!   ...

Read More →

Danushka Gunathilaka returns Source : dailymirror Sri Lankan cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka who was found not guilty by a Sydney Court on a sexual assault case in Australia, arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) last night. He said that he will soon engage in the necessary training to play cricket in Sri Lanka again. Pix by T.K.G. Kapila ...

Read More →

The commercial capital and largest city of Sri Lanka ” Colombo ” – By Malsha – eLanka Colombo is the commercial capital and largest city of Sri Lanka, located on the west coast of the island. It has a population of over 750,000 people and is the center of economic and political activity in the country. Colombo is a bustling city with a mix of modern and colonial architecture, and is known for its vibrant street markets, historic temples and mosques, and scenic oceanfront promenade. It is also home to many government institutions, educational institutions, and cultural attractions such as the National Museum and the Viharamahadevi Park. The city’s international airport, Bandaranaike International Airport, is located approximately 35 kilometers north of the city center. History of colombo The history of Colombo dates back to ancient times. The city was a trading port and a center of commerce for many centuries, ...

Read More →

Providing horizontal and sustainable luxury   Source:Island The Tamarind Tree Resort Hotel is set amongst stunning acres of lush gardens and is ideally positioned with soul enriching nature, blissful bedrooms and authentic Sri Lankan Food and international cuisines The distance from the metropolis of Colombo to Tamarind Tree Garden Resort, which is near the Bandaranaike International Airport, is only 30 minutes. Travellers looking for a quiet retreat before or after a long flight will find it perfect here. Due to its close proximity to numerous historical sites and natural reserves, the resort’s location is also ideal for those who want to experience the city’s cultural and natural attractions. ...

Read More →

GR RETURNS TO SRI LANKA – By JAMILA HUSAIN Image Source : hwnews Source : dailymirror Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa returned to Sri Lanka a short while ago on board a Singapore Airlines flight after fleeing the country in July, the Daily Mirror learns.  Rajapaksa arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport a short while ago amidst a heavy security presence.  Rajapaksa will be living in a state bungalow close to Wijerama Mawatha in Colombo while a large security contingency will be appointed to maintain security in the area.  Several ministers arrived at the BIA to welcome the former President. Rajapaksa resigned from the Presidency in July amidst mass scale protests calling for his resignation as Sri Lanka was plunged into one of its worst ever economic crisis.  He fled to the Maldives on board an airforce aircraft and then entered Singapore on a medical visa, which was extended twice.  As the Singapore ...

Read More →

Tribute to Icon thespian actor Wijeya Nandasiri on his sixth death anniversary – by Sunil Thenabadu Photo Source : newsfirst It is  six years ago the veteran cherished Icon thespian actor Wijeya Nandasiri who gave life to many a character to stage, small screen and films breathed his last on the way to the Kalubowila Teaching hospital from his residence at Kalapura,Templars road Mt Lavinia on the morning of the 08th August  2016,following a heart attack at the age of 72 years. Thus, Wijeya Nandasiri the celebrated thespian actor in performing arts had his final curtain call after providing ample of smiles, joy and laughter to audiences dominating and conquering the stage and the silver screen for over five decades.Vijaya Nandasiri Wijeya Nandasiri was born on 06th May 1944 to a humble family in Maharagama had received his primary and secondary education at the Vidyakara Vidyalaya in Maharagama. He had become ...

Read More →

Queen’s baton reaches Sri Lanka By Chathura Ranasinghe Source:-www.nation.lk The ‘Birmingham 2022’ Queen’s Baton Relay reached Sri Lanka yesterday (3) at the Bandaranaike International Airport. The Queen’s Baton reached Sri Lanka from the Maldives and will move to key sites in the country on 4 and 5 January (today and tomorrow) before heading off to Bangladesh. Yesterday, a special reception was held at the UK High Commission in Colombo with the participation of the National Olympic Committee’s newly-elected President Suresh Subramaniam. The Queen’s Baton was welcomed by Sarah Hulton, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Subramaniam, and some leading Sri Lankan athletes. The 16th official Queen’s Baton Relay is an epic journey across the Commonwealth, with the Queen’s Baton visiting all 72 commonwealth nations and territories reaching Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, the Caribbean, and the Americas. The global journey of the Baton will conclude at the Birmingham 2022 Opening Ceremony where the final Baton-bearer ...

Read More →

BIA new Apron, Taxiways opens Source:Dailynews The new Apron area and taxiways at Bandaranaike International Airport, under the Package B, was declared open for airlines this morning at the BIA with the participation of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, The Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, Mizukoshi Hideaki – Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga, Minister of Youth & Sports and State Minister of Digital Technology and Entrepreneur Development Namal Rajapaksa, State Minister of Aviation and Development of Export Zones D. V. Chanaka together with Maj General (Rtd.) G.A. Chandrasiri, Chairman of Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited, and other dignitaries. The project is in accordance with the vision of His Excellency Gotabaya Rajapaksa under the policy initiative ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’ built as part of the project to expand BIA with the objective of making Sri Lanka one of the most important aviation hubs in Asia. ...

Read More →