News & market updates

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.

Emirates Airline Foundation and Emirates Auction raised AED 8.8 million (USD $2.4M) by auctioning seven rare Emirates Skywards Platinum membership numbers, with proceeds to fund humanitarian programmes for underprivileged children. The partnership will continue as an annual auction to support ongoing and new initiatives.

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.

Tokyo Cement reported 3Q turnover of Rs.14,523m (vs Rs.11,639m) and profit after tax of Rs.332m (vs Rs.1,006m), citing volume growth but lower selling prices, higher input and currency costs and capitalisation of expansion and a vessel; expects demand lift from reconstruction and infrastructure spending.

Tokyo Cement Group reported Q3 turnover of Rs.14,523 million (25% YoY) and PAT of Rs.332 million (down from Rs.1,006 million YoY), citing volume growth but pressure from lower selling prices, higher raw material and currency costs, and capitalisation of expansion and a vessel; expects demand support from post-cyclone reconstruction and planned government capex.

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.

Milford Exports Ceylon Ltd. increased its stake in Melstacorp PLC by 1 million shares at Rs.179 each, raising ownership from 42.80% to 42.88%.

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.

LANKATILES opened its 58th showroom (its second in Galle) at No. 145, Matara Road, Pettigala Watta on January 28, 2026. The company says the outlet will strengthen its Southern market presence and support residential and tourism‑led projects, including hospitality and heritage restorations.

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.