Sri Lanka: News, Travel Tips and What to Watch
Sri Lanka is a small island with big stories — from politics and the economy to food, wildlife and travel. If you want clear, useful updates without the fluff, this tag page gathers our coverage and practical guides so you know what matters right now.
Quick facts to keep handy: the currency is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR), people commonly speak Sinhala and Tamil (English is widely used in cities), and driving is on the left. Most visitors use an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arrival — check the official government site for the latest entry rules.
Practical travel tips
Planning a trip? Pick the season based on where you’re going. November to April is best for the west and south coast; May to September favors the east. Pack for heat and sudden rain, and bring sun protection. If you plan wildlife trips, book safari slots in advance — parks like Yala and Udawalawe fill up fast during peak season.
Stay smart on money: ATMs are common in cities but may be scarce in rural areas. Carry some cash for markets and small vendors. Taxis and tuk-tuks are cheap, but agree the fare before you ride or insist on the meter. Electricity is 230V with British-style plugs (type G) in most places.
What we cover in our Sri Lanka reporting
Politics and economy: Sri Lanka went through a major economic shock in 2022 and has been working with international lenders to stabilise finances. Our reporting tracks policy moves, debt talks, and what changes mean for ordinary people — jobs, fuel prices, and the cost of living.
Local life and culture: find stories on food, festivals and daily life — from temple rituals and Vesak celebrations to the tea estates that shaped the island. We write about events you can experience and how they affect communities.
Environment and wildlife: Sri Lanka’s biodiversity is a major draw and a growing concern. We follow conservation efforts, human-wildlife conflict updates, and climate impacts like monsoon shifts and coastal erosion.
Safety and travel alerts: sudden protests, transport strikes or weather warnings can change plans fast. We publish timely alerts and practical advice so you can make quick, sensible decisions — whether you’re a visitor or following family back home.
Want more? Bookmark this tag for live updates and deeper explainers. You’ll find quick briefs on breaking news, hands-on travel guides, and explainers that make sense of complex economic and political moves. If you want a specific update — say tourism rules, a new IMF deal, or wildlife season tips — use the search box or check the latest stories listed under this tag.
Got a tip or question about Sri Lanka? Send it our way. We’re keeping this tag active and practical so you get clear, useful information without the noise.
Sri Lanka Triumphs Over New Zealand in First ODI Despite Weather Challenges
Sri Lanka secured a notable victory over New Zealand in the first ODI at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, winning by 45 runs via the DLS method. Kusal Mendis delivered a standout performance, scoring a career-best 143 runs. Rain played a crucial role, adjusting New Zealand's target, and despite notable contributions from Will Young and Tim Robinson, they fell short. Dilshan Madushanka led the Sri Lankan bowling attack.