TikaWeeks #41/2026: Sri Lanka update
Posted by John on 6th October 2026
Train services resume in the Hill Country
Last Friday (02 October 2026), tears of joy accompanied the reopening of the train line from Colombo Fort to Peradeniya Junction, which is just short of Kandy, as the train service resumed after 310 days following the devastation wrought by Cyclone Ditwah. Further south into the Hill Country, the train has also restarted from Nanuoya (Nuwara Eliya) to Badulla, the southern terminus, after the section between Nanuoya and Ambewela was completed.
It was no mean feat to restore the Colombo to Kandy train service. In November last year, Cyclone Ditwah triggered 36 major landslides which damaged railway tracks in 103 locations between Rambukkana inland from Colombo and Peradeniya. The direct service to Kandy is still blocked due to ongoing repairs (such as the Kalu Bridge and remaining structural clearing), with full restoration to Kandy planned for January 2027.
Meanwhile, back in June this year, train services between Badulla and Nanuoya resumed following the completion of restoration work on a landslide-affected section of the upcountry railway line. The railway track between Nanuoya and Ambewela was severely damaged by a landslide triggered by Cyclone Ditwah. Restoration work has also begun on another landslide-damaged section of the railway line between Kotagala and Talawakelle on the main Kandy to Nanuoya route.
Big 7 Travel hails Sri Lanka as World’s No. 1 Island Destination for 2026
Sri Lanka has been named the World’s No. 1 Island Destination for 2026, topping the list of the 50 Best Islands in the World compiled by international travel publication Big 7 Travel. The prestigious ranking celebrates Sri Lanka’s remarkable diversity, highlighting its golden beaches, coastline, lush, terraced tea plantations, ancient temples, colonial-era towns, mist-covered mountains, and world-renowned wildlife experiences.
According to Big 7 Travel, Sri Lanka offers far more than a traditional beach escape. The publication praised the island for its rich cultural heritage, historic landmarks, and unforgettable adventures, including safaris in Yala National Park, home to one of the world’s highest densities of leopards, as well as elephants. It also recalled the words of famed explorer Marco Polo, who famously described Sri Lanka as “the finest island of its size in all the world.”
Sri Lanka claimed the top spot ahead of several globally renowned island destinations, including Moʻorea in French Polynesia, Socotra in Yemen, Madeira in Portugal, and Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands. The recognition marks another significant milestone for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, reinforcing the island’s growing reputation as a must-visit destination for travellers.
Sri Lanka named among World’s Top 50 Food Destinations for 2026
Sri Lanka has earned international recognition after being named among the Top 50 Food Destinations around the World for 2026, according to the latest editorial ranking released by Travel And Tour World (TTW). The annual list recognises countries that are shaping the future of global culinary tourism. The rankings were curated by TTW’s editorial experts based on a range of factors, including culinary heritage, regional diversity, street food culture, fine dining, locally sourced ingredients, sustainability, beverage traditions, cultural authenticity, and overall food experiences.
Sri Lanka’s inclusion highlights the country’s rich and diverse culinary traditions, renowned for their vibrant flavours, aromatic spices, fresh seafood, tropical ingredients, and unique regional dishes. “Sri Lanka is a vibrant culinary destination where aromatic spices, tropical ingredients and centuries of cultural influences create unforgettable dining experiences, from bustling street-food stalls to elegant coastal restaurants,” TTW stated.
From traditional rice and curry to hoppers, kottu, seafood delicacies, and an array of sweet treats, Sri Lankan cuisine continues to attract food enthusiasts from around the world. As part of its feature on Sri Lanka, TTW highlighted 10 must-visit food destinations across the island:
- Colombo – Renowned for rice and curry, kottu roti, hoppers, and fresh seafood.
- Galle – Known for its seafood, Sri Lankan curries, and colonial-era dining.
- Kandy – Famous for rice and curry, traditional sweets, and authentic local cuisine.
- Negombo – Celebrated for seafood curries, grilled fish, and lagoon specialities.
- Ella – Offers organic produce, Sri Lankan cuisine, and hill-country dining.
- Jaffna – Renowned for its crab curry, dosas, and bold Tamil-inspired flavours.
- Mirissa – Popular for fresh seafood and relaxed beachfront dining.
- Nuwara Eliya – Known for tea-inspired cuisine, pastries, and colonial classics.
- Hikkaduwa – Combines fresh seafood, Sri Lankan curries, and vibrant beachside dining.
- Trincomalee – Famous for fresh seafood and authentic coastal cuisine.
The 2026 rankings place Mexico as the world’s top food destination, followed by Italy and Spain, recognising their longstanding culinary excellence and global influence. The Top 50 list also features leading gastronomic destinations from Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Americas and the Caribbean, Africa, and the Middle East, celebrating countries that have successfully preserved their culinary heritage while embracing innovation and sustainable food practices.
Sri Lanka’s recognition is expected to further strengthen its appeal as a tourism destination, particularly among international travellers seeking authentic food and cultural experiences.
‘Welcome to Sri Lanka’ documentary wins top global TV award
Sri Lanka’s storytelling excellence took centre stage at the Inspire Global Media Awards 2026, held recently in London, with a packed room of media glitterati. The Sri Lankan travel documentary produced by Mark Julian Edwards won the prestigious Television Broadcast of the Year at the ceremony, contested by the BBC and Amazon TV.
The documentary was selected from a competitive international field of entries, with judges highlighting its focus on depiction of authentic human experiences and destination narratives. Edwards said “This whole episode of shooting and filming in Sri Lanka, I would say it was a cacophony of incredible people with fascinating stories to tell. The fascinating wildlife, culture, heritage, the fabulous food using ancient, medicinally beneficial recipes passed down through generations, the landscapes, traditions were a joy to watch. Above all it’s the warm, kind nature of the hospitable Sri Lankans that truly left an everlasting impression”.
This remarkable victory is a testament to how compelling storytelling can breathe life to destinations showcasing powerful, authentic human experiences. The award-winning film shines a global spotlight on Sri Lanka — beautifully capturing its extraordinary people, rich cultural traditions, breathtaking beauty, diversity, and unforgettable moments of genuine connections.
Through Mark’s lens, the world is invited to experience Sri Lanka not just as a destination, but as a living, breathing story filled with warmth, wonder, and an exciting discovery. This win will be a prestigious endorsement for Sri Lanka to position itself as a unique and memorable destination in the world tourism map.
Qatar Airways and Emirates expand operations to Sri Lanka
Qatar Airways has increased its services to Colombo, expanding its schedule to five daily flights. The enhanced frequency will provide passengers with greater flexibility and improved connectivity via Doha to destinations across the airline’s extensive global network.
Emirates introduced a second daily Airbus A350 service between Dubai and Colombo back in August, further elevating the travel experience for customers with more options to experience the airline’s latest-generation aircraft and its highly sought-after Premium Economy cabin. The A350 aircraft will replace the current Boeing 777 aircraft operating the flight.
The deployment of the additional A350 on flight EK648/649 will double the number of Premium Economy seats on the route, reinforcing Emirates’ commitment to delivering enhanced comfort for travellers to and from Sri Lanka. Emirates currently operates four daily flights to Colombo with a mix of Airbus A350 and Boeing 777 aircraft.
Emirates’ A350 offers bright, airy cabins with more space in every class, alongside the airline’s latest innovations: ultra-responsive 4K and 4K HDR inflight entertainment touchscreens, faster Wi-Fi and wider aisles, among other meticulous touches across each cabin.
At the heart of the A350 experience is Emirates’ award-winning Premium Economy cabin which is already one of the airline’s most sought-after offerings. The spacious 2-3-2 layout features cream leather seats with elegant woodgrain finishes. Each seat is 50 cm wide, with 100-cm pitch, a 20-cm recline, and a six-way adjustable headrest, while a 34-cm screen delivers immersive entertainment. From a welcome drink and seasonal menus to an exclusive amenity kit, a sustainably made blanket and a generously sized pillow, every detail of the Premium Economy experience is thoughtfully designed. On the ground, customers enjoy priority boarding, a dedicated check-in area at Dubai International Airport and a baggage allowance of up to 35 kg.
The introduction of a second daily A350 service builds on the successful debut of the aircraft on the Colombo route in March 2025, when Emirates launched its Premium Economy experience in Sri Lanka. Emirates offers three non-stop daily flights on the Colombo-Dubai route with a range of timings in addition to one daily service via Male.
Marking 40 years of operations to Colombo this year, Emirates connects Colombo to almost 140 destinations across its global network.
Aitken Spence Travels achieves GSTC certification
Aitken Spence Travels has been awarded certification by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), a globally recognised standard for sustainable tourism. This achievement reinforces the company's ongoing commitment to responsible tourism, ensuring their operations contribute meaningfully to environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and the wellbeing of local communities. This award positions Aitken Spence Travels as the only Destination Management Company in Sri Lanka to hold both GSTC and Travelife certification.
Categories: Culture, Flights, News, Sightseeing, Sri Lanka, Sustainability, Travel tips
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