TikaWeeks #45/2024: Sri Lanka update
Posted by John on 7th November 2024
Once again, we are able to offer the through train service from Colombo to Jaffna. Following the modernisation of the Maho to Anuradhapura stretch of the northern railway line, train services between Colombo and Kankesanthurai (KKS) resumed on 28 October 2024. The first train of the day from Colombo Fort railway station departs at 05.45 for KKS, via Anuradhapura and Jaffna, and the next train departs at 13.45. For the return journey from the north of the island, the Colombo-bound train leaves KKS at 10.30.
We are thrilled to introduce Amba Yaalu on the banks of Kandalama Lake in the Cultural Triangle. Set to open on 18 December 2024 and nestled amidst a peaceful mango plantation, the thematic resort is inspired by the beloved novel Amba Yaluwo (Mango Friends) and Sri Lanka’s golden era of cinema. What sets this property apart is that it will be Sri Lanka’s first hotel fully operated and managed by women, making it a truly special addition to the Thema Collection portfolio.
In more news, Sri Lanka recorded 135,907 tourist arrivals in October, marking an approximately 25% increase compared with the same period last year. Statistics from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority show that 1,620,715 tourists arrived in the country from 01 January to 31 October 2024, already surpassing the total arrivals for all of 2023, which stood at 1,487,303.
I visited the annual World Travel Market (WTM) at ExCeL in London this week, which is one of the largest global B2B travel events. Now in its 45th year, WTM is our chance to meet up with our valued colleagues from Sri Lanka. This year nearly 100 different travel companies from the island participated, which is the biggest contingent ever.
Immediately I arrived at the Sri Lanka stand, I came face-to-face with Sai (Gajan Sai Mahendran), who was a massive help to us at SriLankan Airlines when we first had flights contracts with the airline in 2005 – their regional office in London closed in 2011, which was a great loss, and all systems are now centralised in Colombo. Always smiling and positive, he updated me that SriLankan is now going to stay public and supported by the new government rather than being sold off – the airline’s fate had been up in the air (ho, ho!) since October last year. This news is hot off the press so it will be a great fillip for the airline when it is officially reported in the media.
I managed to catch up with Suranga (Ratnayake) and Dilakshan (Perera) from Aitken Spence Travels, Chief Operating Officer and General Manager, respectively. Suranga and I go way back to the time when he was island manager of Ace Travels, the Maldives arm of Aitken Spence. He was instrumental in increasing our presence in the island archipelago and became a great friend.
I also managed to see our wonderful Partnership Manager, Alison, from Responsible Travel, who is always a delight to meet, and Tessa, another member of the excellent Responsible Travel team.
Unexpectedly, our old friend and original mentor Lesley from All Points East was there, too, and we chewed the fat a little before I headed off.
Categories: Accommodation, Maldives, News, Sri Lanka, Travel tips
« All articles
