News & market updates

Amangalla in Galle Fort and Amanwella in Tangalle were recognized in the Forbes Travel Guide 2026 Star Awards. The honours underline Sri Lanka’s rising profile in high-end travel as FTG expanded its annual list to more than 100 countries.

Courtyard by Marriott Colombo appointed Suranga Peelikumbura as its new General Manager. He brings over 20 years of international hospitality experience (including The Ritz-Carlton Doha and Resplendent Ceylon) and says he will focus on guest experience and community ties.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met representatives of the European External Action Service on 10 Feb to deepen the EU–Sri Lanka economic partnership and to expand trade and investment, urging legislative and policy reforms. She also thanked the EU for timely cyclone assistance and briefed the delegation on government economic reforms.

Sri Lanka plans to start direct Colombo–Ahmedabad flights via SriLankan Airlines from April to facilitate travel for devotees between Colombo and Gujarat.

Sri Lanka's CPI score rose to 35 in 2025, lifting the country 14 places to 107th in Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index. The score remains below the global average of 43, signalling improved but still limited governance performance.

Hambantota International Port received 2,171 passengers aboard the MV Celebrity Millennium from Phuket, marking a large Thai cruise call and signalling Thailand as a growing market for Sri Lanka's cruise tourism. Passengers visited southern attractions and the ship will proceed to Colombo.

The HSBC Ceylon Literary & Arts Festival will run 13–15 Feb 2026 at Cinnamon Lakeside with 45+ speakers and free public programming. The Art Exhibit is in association with the John Keells Foundation and Cinnamon Lakeside is the venue and hospitality partner.

The HSBC Ceylon Literary & Arts Festival 2026 will run 13–15 Feb at Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo, supported through CSR partnerships by International Distillers Limited, Clouds by SOZO and the Rukmini Tissanayagam Trust to showcase Sri Lankan literature and arts.

Sri Lanka and the European Union will hold the 27th EU–Sri Lanka Joint Commission in Colombo on 12 February 2026. Senior officials will review partnership areas including governance, human rights, trade and development cooperation and discuss concrete next steps.

Sofia Colombo launched a women-only 'Pink Floor' including a Tonic Wellness SPA to offer privacy, safety and wellness-focused services for female travelers. The offering features women-only rooms, an all-female service team, controlled access and plans for additional women-oriented services.

Indian Acting High Commissioner Dr. Satyanjal Pandey said Sri Lanka can leverage India’s growing trade and investment network to boost ports, renewable energy, connectivity and integrated supply chains. He highlighted Colombo Port’s handling efficiencies and urged aligning policies with India to diversify beyond apparel and tourism.

Asia Rugby President Qais Al-Dhalai met Sri Lanka’s Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage in Dubai and pledged full support to develop rugby and host international tournaments to boost sports tourism in Sri Lanka. The minister said the initiative aims to strengthen the tourism sector and position Sri Lanka as a regional sports hub.

Sri Lanka hosted the Boat and Marine Show and Conference 2026 in Port City Colombo (30 Jan–1 Feb) to promote marine and nautical tourism and attract exporters and investors. The event featured international delegations, yacht and marine exhibitors, diving and charter operators, and government export promotion support.

Arj Samarakoon warns climate shocks are increasingly shaping Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and threaten tourism continuity, investor confidence and recovery timelines. He cites Australia’s preparedness and recovery frameworks as models to embed planning, early warning and recovery funding for resilient tourism-led growth.

Fitch assigned Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings (AHUN.N0000) a National Long-Term Rating of 'AA+(lka)' with a Stable Outlook and rated its proposed senior unsecured debentures (up to LKR5bn) 'AA(lka)'. Fitch cited strong parent support, USD-pegged hotel cash flows and low leverage, offset by high exposure to the weak Maldivian economy and repatriation risk.

Emirates has launched a global ad campaign featuring India captain Suryakumar Yadav ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Passengers on Emirates flights can view live match coverage via its ice entertainment system.

Cinnamon Hotels CEO Hishan Singhawansa said India’s rapid growth (GDP ~7.2%) and expanding middle class will boost Sri Lankan tourism, forecasting Indian outbound travellers to rise from about 20 million to 50 million in the next 5–6 years.

A meeting at the Ministry of Defence on 5 Feb, chaired by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), will study the feasibility of introducing skydiving as an adventure-tourism activity in Sri Lanka; agencies were instructed to examine regulatory, safety and operational issues and report back.

Kristall Spaces Lanka will retain long-term operational control of All-Suite Resort Talpe Heights through its associate All-Suite Resorts Lanka, offering 10-year management contracts and targeting 8–11% annual rental returns and 5–10% annual capital appreciation. It projects 120 nights occupancy in Year 1.

FACETS Sri Lanka 2027 returns to Cinnamon Life from 4–6 January 2027 and appoints Shezmin Mansoor as Chairman. The 34th edition aims to attract international buyers with curated pavilions, networking and knowledge sessions, focusing on supporting exporters, SMEs and sustainable practices in the gem and jewellery sector.

Sri Lanka ranked 100th in the Global Soft Power Index 2026 with a score of 33.8/100, down three places from 97th in 2025. Perceptions of ease of doing business improved alongside easing inflation and lower borrowing costs, while tourism indicators (visit appeal, food, friendliness) showed notable gains.

World Bank Executive Director Parameswaran Iyer visited Sri Lanka to strengthen development cooperation and reviewed World Bank-supported initiatives with the Treasury secretary. He highlighted priority areas for jobs and growth: infrastructure, agribusiness, healthcare, tourism and value-added manufacturing.

City of Dreams Sri Lanka will host "Signature Latin Affair" from 13–15 February, a three-night Latin-themed entertainment series; City of Dreams Melco Club members have a dedicated members-only night on 9 February.

Cinnamon Life and John Keells Foundation will stage the West End–licensed musical La Bamba! The Song of Veracruz in Colombo, with seven performances from 24–28 April 2026. Nations Trust Bank is an associate partner offering a 10% ticket discount for its credit cards and the production includes local auditions.

Event Management has been formally recognised as an industry after securing Cabinet approval, announced by the Event Management Association at its 7th AGM on 27 Jan 2026. EMA said the recognition will enable structured growth, better regulation and professional standards for the sector.

Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams is hosting an extended Valentine's season from 1–22 February, offering multi-venue dining, music and wellness experiences including set menus, special desserts, live performances and spa packages.

Nyne Hotels launched NYNE LUXE, its most prestigious tier and Sri Lanka’s first integrated boutique villa concept, debuting in Werahena, Bentota with two properties (Anugrah and Anuprit) linked by a shared lifestyle space (Anubava).

Agoda has named Sri Lanka’s Nuwara Eliya among Asia’s must-visit hill stations. Agoda is also running a Mega Sale (14–28 Feb) with up to 60% off hotels and additional flash-sale and VIP deal windows.

NH Collection Colombo is offering a range of Valentine’s dining experiences across its venues, including a Vistas Rooftop dinner priced at LKR 25,000 nett per couple. Offerings also include family-friendly dining at AYU, Valentine’s High Tea at Vistas and Mansion, and a Valentine’s Sweet Collection at Collections Café.