Sri Lanka recorded its highest-ever tourist arrivals for October this year, welcoming 165,193 visitors, marking a 22% year-on-year (YoY) surge and signalling renewed momentum in the country’s post-crisis tourism recovery. The record-breaking month, largely fuelled by a surge in visitors from India, points to a strong winter season ahead and fresh optimism that 2025 could close with all-time high arrival figures.

According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), October arrivals surpassed the previous record of 153,123 in 2018, with an average of 5,329 visitors per day—a modest 0.5% month-on-month increase.

India remained the dominant source market, contributing 48,113 visitors (29.1%), followed by the United Kingdom (12,934 or 7.8%), Russia (11,496 or 7%), China (10,864 or 6.6%), and Germany (9,753 or 5.9%). Additional arrivals came from Australia, Bangladesh, France, the United States, and Spain, reflecting Sri Lanka’s broad appeal across key markets.

The robust October performance pushed cumulative arrivals for the first ten months of 2025 to 1.89 million, up 17% YoY, slightly surpassing the 1.88 million tourists recorded during the same period in the benchmark year 2018. India continues to lead as the largest overall source market with 423,405 arrivals (22%), followed by the UK (174,827), Russia (133,640), Germany (116,741), and China (112,454).

Industry stakeholders attribute the upswing to the resumption of international and charter flights, enhanced air connectivity for the winter season, and the country’s growing visibility through international travel rankings. Moreover, the launch of Sri Lanka’s first self-funded, private-sector-led destination marketing campaign has injected new energy into the sector amid frustration over delays in official promotional initiatives.

With strong forward bookings for the upcoming months, industry analysts predict total arrivals could surpass 2.4 million by year-end. However, October’s figures still fell short of the SLTDA’s forecast of 197,693 visitors by around 20% (32,500 tourists).

The SLTDA’s revised 2025 projections now outline three possible outcomes: a “Lower Scenario” of 2.415 million arrivals, a “Conservative Scenario” of 2.676 million, and an “Optimistic Scenario” of 3 million. SLTDA Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam recently confirmed that the authority had adjusted its target to 2.6 million, calling it “a realistic but historic high” compared to the previous record of 2.33 million arrivals in 2018.

To achieve the new target, Sri Lanka must attract 709,313 tourists during the final two months of 2025.

Meanwhile, tourism earnings reached US$ 2.47 billion during the first nine months of 2025, a 5.3% YoY increase, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. While the government’s ambitious US$ 5 billion revenue goal is unlikely to be met, analysts remain confident that 2025 earnings will surpass last year’s US$ 3.17 billion—the highest since 2018 and the fifth-best year on record for the tourism sector.

One Galle Face, Colombo’s landmark shopping and lifestyle destination, is celebrating its sixth anniversary this November, reaffirming its position as Sri Lanka’s leading retail, dining, and entertainment complex.

Since opening its doors in November 2019 under the globally renowned Shangri-La Group, One Galle Face has transformed Colombo’s urban landscape by redefining the shopping and leisure experience. Over six years, it has become a symbol of sophistication and family-friendly entertainment, attracting both local and international visitors.

In 2025, the mall strengthened its reputation as the country’s premier lifestyle destination by earning two major accolades the Most Admired Shopping Center of the Year at the Sri Lanka Leadership Awards 2025 and Sri Lanka’s Most Loved Shopping Mall 2025 from LMD magazine. These recognitions underscore One Galle Face’s commitment to excellence in customer experience and innovation in retail.

Home to more than 300 world-class brands, the mall offers a mix of global fashion, fine dining, and family entertainment. In the past year alone, it expanded its brand portfolio with over 25 new additions, including internationally recognized names such as Carnage, Under Armour, Taco Bell, Levi’s, The Body Shop, and Birkenstock. With further openings planned, One Galle Face continues to evolve as a one-stop lifestyle hub catering to diverse consumer preferences.

Beyond retail, the mall’s growing wellness portfolio now brings together personal care, grooming, aesthetics, and fitness facilities, reinforcing its role as a destination that promotes both indulgence and wellbeing.

 Entertainment remains a major draw, with attractions designed for all age groups. PVR Cinemas, featuring the luxury Director’s Cut and PVR Luxe experiences, offers moviegoers premium comfort, gourmet snacks, and top-tier service. Meanwhile, Playdium Sri Lanka’s largest indoor entertainment center continues to be a favourite among families seeking leisure and excitement under one roof.

Customer engagement has also reached new heights through the One Galle Face Rewards Program, which rewards loyal shoppers with exclusive promotions and experiences such as helicopter rides, luxury cruises, and other curated privileges. The program has been instrumental in building a loyal customer base and enhancing the mall’s reputation for world-class service.

As part of the Shangri-La Group  a global pioneer in luxury hospitalityOne Galle Face has consistently upheld the group’s signature standards of service and quality. Its success story reflects not only the resilience of Sri Lanka’s retail sector but also the growing appetite for integrated lifestyle destinations that combine retail, recreation, and wellness in one space.

 As it celebrates its sixth anniversary on November 8, One Galle Face invites visitors to join its anniversary festivities and experience the vibrancy, luxury, and excitement that have made it the country’s most admired shopping destination.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has directed that no wind power projects be implemented on Mannar Islandwithout the consent of its residents, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissaannounced yesterday (4).

Addressing the weekly Cabinet media briefing, Minister Jayatissa said that the President’s directive was formally presented to the Cabinet by Power and Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody and subsequently received Cabinet approval for implementation.

He explained that, under the National Renewable Energy Resource Development Plan, Mannar Island has been identified as a site with significant wind energy potential. Three projects had been proposed for the region, including the Thambapavani Wind Power Plant, which began operations in 2021.

The other two projects — the Windscape Mannar (Pvt) Ltd 20 MW Wind Power Project and the Hayleys Fentons 50 MW Wind Power Project — were scheduled to commence in December 2025 and December 2026, respectively.

Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the Holy See, paid a courtesy call on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake this morning at the Presidential Secretariat.

President Dissanayake warmly welcomed Archbishop Gallagher, who is visiting Sri Lanka to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the Vatican. During their discussion, the Archbishop was briefed on the country’s current situation and the progress achieved under President Dissanayake’s administration, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Expressing his appreciation for the Archbishop’s visit, President Dissanayake described it as “a blessing for Sri Lanka.”He noted that the five decades of ties between the Vatican and Sri Lanka have been marked by enduring friendship and cooperation, benefiting the nation not only spiritually but also in promoting human dignity and providing support during times of need.

The President recalled the Vatican’s contributions to Sri Lanka’s education sector and its humanitarian assistancefollowing the 2004 tsunami. He expressed heartfelt gratitude for the Holy See’s continued solidarity and goodwill toward the people of Sri Lanka.

President Dissanayake also extended his best wishes to Pope Leo XIV, wishing him good health and strength.

In response, Archbishop Gallagher conveyed that both he and His Holiness the Pope deeply admire the progress Sri Lanka has made in fostering peace and unity among ethnic and religious communities. He added that, in light of this progress, Pope Leo XIV may consider an official visit to Sri Lanka in the near future.

The Archbishop further commended President Dissanayake’s leadership in restoring economic and political stability, reaffirming the Vatican’s support for Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to strengthen ethnic harmony, interfaith understanding, and economic recovery.

The Ministry of Digital Economy today announced a landmark achievement in Sri Lanka’s digital transformation journey, as GovPay, the Government’s flagship digital payment platform, surpassed Rs. 1 billion in transactions and onboarded over 200 government organizations across the country.

Launched in February 2025, GovPay was developed by LankaPay in collaboration with the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA), under the supervision of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), and the leadership of the Ministry of Digital Economy.

The platform enables citizens to make secure, paperless digital payments to government institutions, streamlining administrative processes, reducing manual paperwork, and improving service delivery efficiency.

A comprehensive tsunami mock drill encompassing the entire island is scheduled to take place today (November 5) in line with World Tsunami Awareness Day.

The exercise is organized by a regional body comprising 28 member countries under the Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC) framework.

According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), the simulation will be conducted in five Grama Niladhari Divisions across the coastal districts of Batticaloa, Kalutara, Galle, and Jaffna.

The main national-level event will be held in the Kalutara District, commencing at 8:30 a.m.

Multiple government agencies and institutions — including the DMC, Department of Meteorology, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, District and Divisional Secretariats, Tri-Forces, Police, National Disaster Relief Services Centre, local authorities, schools, hotels, and other relevant stakeholders — will take part in this large-scale preparedness exercise aimed at strengthening Sri Lanka’s disaster response and early warning systems.