Discover the beauty of budget-friendly Sri Lanka once again and let it

July 1, 2024 / 4 MINUTE READ

Despite enduring setbacks in recent years, the sun-drenched jewel of the Indian Ocean has a wealth of offerings.

Imagine die-hard fans donning their rival team's colours – it's unheard of. Yet, the gesture echoed worldwide when Sri Lankan supporters turned up at Colombo's R Premadasa Stadium in yellow for a match against Australia in June 2022. Thankful to the Aussie cricketers for visiting when others had turned away, the local crowd held signs saying, "Thank You Australia. We Love You."

Sri Lanka, known for its warm-hearted and welcoming spirit, has steadily embraced tourism since its civil war ended in 2009. This island paradise boasts eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, rich biodiversity, and a coastline adorned with surf-kissed sands.

Yet, it's been a challenging ride. From the devastating 2004 tsunami to the Easter bombings in 2019 and the business disruptions caused by COVID-19, Sri Lanka has faced its share of challenges. The situation worsened in 2022 with a debt default, leading to power cuts, protests, and skyrocketing inflation.

But against all odds, interest in Sri Lanka is growing again. New hotels are in the works, more attractions are opening, and tour operators report a rise in holiday enquiries. The FCDO's recent easing of travel advisories is another sign that it's time to rediscover Sri Lanka.

Street food vendor stall selling roti on a beach in Colombo.

Explore, an escorted tour company with over 40 years of experience in Sri Lanka, saw a 174% increase in bookings over the last year. Intrepid recorded a 130% rise from 2022 to 2023 and now plans 350 departures to meet the demand. 

"We've championed this destination for a long time and believe there are now even more reasons to travel to Sri Lanka," says Venetia Cox, head of Asia, Australasia, and the Middle East at luxury travel experts Cazenove+loyd, reporting a 30% increase in enquiries. "Tourism as a force for good here should not be underestimated."

"Tourism is the largest sector in Sri Lanka, benefiting everyone from tuk-tuk drivers to coconut sellers," says Dee Gibson, a British Sri Lankan who owns Kalukanda House boutique hotel near Galle. "It makes the difference between eating and not eating, educating children or not sending them to school." This mutual benefit fosters a sense of support and engagement in the local communities.

The Rangiri Dambulla cave temple in Dambulla is definitely a standout attraction.

Travellers benefit from cheaper prices and fewer crowds. "The exchange rate is strong, so holiday budgets stretch further to offer amazing properties and experiences," Gibson adds.

Despite external concerns, conditions within Sri Lanka have stabilised. Many argue that even revised FCDO advice needs to be updated.

"The sentiment here is very positive," says Marcelline Paul, vice president of sales and marketing at Uga Escapes. "Progress with the IMF and other donors has been good. Inflation is down to single digits compared to the 2022 average of 44%." Uga Escapes plans to open Uga Halloowella in Ella later this year, near the new Pekoe Trail hiking route. Resplendent Ceylon and Teardrop Hotels also have new properties opening in 2025, sparking optimism and excitement for the future of tourism in Sri Lanka."

The ancient rock fortress Sigiriya is one of Sri Lanka's awe-inspiring heritage sites.

Despite the persistence of political challenges and human rights issues, the resilience and adaptability of Sri Lankans shine through, inspiring hope and a sense of admiration.

"Sri Lankans are resilient and accepting," says Jean-Marc Flambert, former UK director of Sri Lanka Tourism, who launched Secrets of Ceylon in June 2022. "Nothing holds us down for long. We bounce back."

The tea-growing region of Ella

During tough times, locals turned to cultivating their produce. "My mother started growing beans and trading with neighbours," Flambert recalls. Sri Lankan soil is so fertile that you can plant a mango seed and see a plant in 12 months."

It's a fitting metaphor for a country ready to bloom again.

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