Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.

Top 10 destinations Indians are planning to visit in 2026
We are just three months away from 2026 and travellers have already started making plans for the next year. As per the latest Skyscanner report, Indians have been eyeing a couple of destinations for holidaying, exploring and relaxing in. With all...

Sri Lanka’s Diplomacy Is a Circus — and the Foreign Minister Its Clown
by Luxman Aravind In diplomatic circles, there is an old saying: “If you are not at the table, then you are on the menu.” One is compelled to wonder whether Sri Lanka’s current Foreign Minister, Vijitha Herath, has ever paused to contemplate the...

This city has emerged as India's most sought-after travel destination for 2026
Skyscanner has released its Travel Trends 2026 Report, providing insights into the travel plans of Indians for the upcoming year. The findings reveal that nearly six in ten Indians intend to travel more in 2026, with many willing to spend as much...
Sri Lankan Foreign Minister meets outgoing Qatari Ambassador
Colombo: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, HE Vijitha Herath, met with HE Jassim bin Jaber Al-Suroor, Qatar's outgoing Ambassador, marking the end of his diplomatic...

Diwali 2025 vacation: Indians can visit over 50 countries visa-free - check full list, key details
With days left for the Diwali 2025 holidays, several people across the country are gearing up to celebrate the festivities abroad. As a growing number of countries are offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival, travelling abroad has become easier with...
These Are the Celebratory Trips Travel Advisors Are Planning for 2026
From high school graduation to retirement and everything in between, people are more inclined than ever to celebrate life’s major milestones with the trip of a lifetime – and travel advisors are often the ones making those memories happen....

IMF Calls Out Sri Lanka’s Misleading FDI Claims, Urges BOI Reform
By: Staff Writer October 11, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s claims of robust foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows have come under scrutiny, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) subtly but firmly challenging the government’s attempt to inflate...

Which 57 countries can Indian passport holders travel visa-free to in 2025?
India has dropped to the 85th position in the 2025 Henley Passport Index, giving Indian passport holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 57 countries. This marks a decline of five spots from last year, when Indians could travel to 62...

NxtGen AI and ITQ forge strategic partnership to transform travel retailing
ITQ Technologies and NxtGen AI have announced a strategic partnership to create a first-of-its-kind AI-powered orchestration layer for the travel industry. The collaboration aims to simplify how journeys are discovered, booked, and serviced across...

Foreign Remittances Surge as Sri Lankans Flock Overseas for Jobs
By: Staff Writer October 11, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s foreign remittances have surged to record levels in 2025, driven by a sharp rise in overseas employment and a return of confidence in formal banking channels, providing much-needed relief to...

Sri Lanka Tourism Surges: October Arrivals Break New Records
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has entered October on a high note, welcoming 34,046 arrivals in just the first six days of the month, according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). This promising start follows a record-breaking...
‘Lighthouse in the storm’: Melbourne nutrition influencer dies post-birth
The couple were adventurous and had travelled together to Norway, Switzerland and Sri Lanka. They were married in the Maldives last year, which Nathan described as “the happiest day of my life”. But despite Stacey’s intrepid spirit, “her favourite...
No Change in Travel Advisory : Ambassador
COLOMBO (News 1st); The United States Department of State has reaffirmed its existing travel advisory for Sri Lanka, maintaining the country at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. The update, issued on October 9, was clarified by U.S. Ambassador...

This Indian city has made it to the list of the world’s 10 cheapest long-haul vacation destinations
If you're looking to explore the world without spending a fortune, here's a list of the world’s 10 cheapest long-haul vacation destinations that can help you plan your trip. This list shows that it's still possible to take an international break...

Forget the haters — Dubai is the perfect place for a family holiday
The question I am asked more than any other in this line of work is: where are the best places for a family beach holiday? In Europe, it’s Spain, Greece and Italy, never France (too snooty). Further afield, it’s not the United States (too...

UPI Goes Global: Indian Tourists May Soon Pay Anywhere in Japan — Here’s How!
India’s wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>digital revolution is going global. Thanks to NPCI international partnering with NTT DATA Japan, indian tourists may soon pay...

School Assembly News Headlines Today (Oct 21): Top National, International & Sports Updates + Thought of the Day
School Assembly News Headlines Today (Oct 21): Top National, International & Sports Updates Thought of the Day If you’re a student on the lookout for news headlines to read out in your school assembly, you’re at the right place! We’ve compiled a...

Travel: Top 10 Destinations Indians Are Eyeing For 2026 — Hidden Assam Gems To Thai Escapes
There’s something about this time of year that sparks the urge to pack your bags, whether it’s the festive buzz, the promise of a long weekend, or the itch to explore something new before everyone else does. If you’ve already scrolled through...

Checkout These 5 Adventure Holidays Just A Short Flight From India
1. What are the best short-haul adventure destinations from India? Nepal, Sri Lanka, Oman, Thailand, and the Maldives are top picks for adventure seekers. Each offers unique thrills — from trekking and desert safaris to surfing, climbing, and...

SL Tourism Growth Masks Weak Earnings as $5 Billion Target Slips
By: Staff Writer October 14, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s tourism industry continues to show impressive visitor growth but remains constrained by weak revenue performance, raising doubts about the sector’s ability to achieve its ambitious $5 billion...