New driving license regulations for tourists in Sri Lanka - now also directly at the airport

Flag of Sri Lanka

New regulations for driving in Sri Lanka have been in force since August 2025: tourists are only allowed to drive without an additional document if they have an international driving license (IDP) and their national driving license. Those who only have a national driving license must apply for a temporary driving permit. These are now not only available from the Department of Motor Traffic in Werahera [...]

New rule for train tickets in Sri Lanka: passport number now mandatory

Flag of Sri Lanka

Since January 2025, a new rule applies to seat reservations on Sri Lanka's trains: Every passenger must provide their full name and a valid identification number when purchasing a ticket. For travelers from abroad, this is the passport number, for locals the national ID card (NIC). The regulation was introduced to prevent misuse when selling tickets. The resale of [...]

Sri Lanka opens its borders: Visa fees for 40 nations waived

Flag of Sri Lanka

In order to boost the tourism sector and get the ailing economy back on track, Sri Lanka has extended visa-free entry to a total of 40 countries - including Germany. Previously, only seven Asian countries benefited from this regulation. With the new measure, the government hopes to attract significantly more international visitors. According to local media reports, this now includes [...]

Sri Lanka's police chief under serious suspicion: resignation demanded

Flag of Sri Lanka

An unprecedented scandal has rocked Sri Lanka's security apparatus: the country's top police officer, Deshabandu Tennakoon, is suspected of being at the head of a criminal network. Due to these serious allegations, Parliament Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne publicly demanded his resignation in Colombo on Tuesday. A three-member parliamentary committee of inquiry came to the conclusion that the allegations against Tennakoon were substantial. [...]

Man versus elephant: the silent war in Sri Lanka

Wild elephant

In Sri Lanka, where elephants are not only considered majestic animals but also national symbols and sacred beings, a simmering conflict is brewing. Despite their high protected status and deep cultural significance, the pachyderms are increasingly being targeted - by people who feel increasingly overwhelmed and threatened. When protection becomes a challenge Around [...]

Sri Lanka's first cable car project is making progress

Ambuluwawa Tower in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's first ropeway project is progressing with the first phase expected to be completed by October this year. This development was announced during the visit of the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong, to Ambuluwawa, Gampola on March 23. During his visit, Ambassador Qi Zhenhong met Anuradha Jayaratne, Chairman of the Ambuluwawa Trust and [...]

New regulations for tuk-tuk rentals to tourists in Sri Lanka

Red tuk tuk parked against busy street. Popular three wheeled motorcycle in Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lankan police have issued new regulations for companies that rent out three-wheeled vehicles - known as tuk-tuks - to tourists. The aim of these measures is to reduce the number of road accidents involving foreign drivers. With the increase in tourists driving tuk-tuks themselves, the police say that the number of accidents [...]

Cab conflict escalates: PickMe warns of damage to Sri Lanka's tourism

Indian auto (autorickshaw) in the street. Delhi, India

Sri Lanka's transportation sector is in turmoil. Traditional cab drivers are increasingly clashing with drivers from app services such as PickMe. The company is sounding the alarm: the increasing attacks on its drivers are not only a safety problem, but could also harm the country's tourism industry. PickMe CEO Jiffry Zulfer is calling on the authorities to finally intervene. His biggest concern: the safety [...]

Emirates expands capacity on the Dubai - Sri Lanka route by 30 percent

Sri Lanka

If Sri Lanka is on your travel bucket list, there's good news: Emirates is increasing seat capacity between Dubai and Colombo by 30 percent. From January 2, 2025, you can benefit from an additional connection that will be offered almost daily - with the exception of Wednesdays. Sri Lanka: A dream destination for travelers Sri Lanka is for many [...]

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