Sri Lanka starts issuing temporary driving license to tourists at airport
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Sri Lanka on Sunday launched a programme to issue temporary driving licenses to tourists at the international airport."Foreign tourists and even Sri Lankan visitors to the country, who are not dual citizens, would be issued these licenses valid for a month," Kamal Amarasinghe, the chief of the Motor Traffic Department , said here.The tourists getting these temporary licenses would, however, be not eligible to drive heavy vehicles and three wheeler tuk-tuks, Amarasingha said.Currently, any tourists could have obtained a license at the Department's Colombo suburban facility following the due process, he said, adding, the new arrangement is a more swift process where tourists can self drive.
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The Hindu
a day ago
- The Hindu
Inside the City of Dreams Sri Lanka: An integrated contemporary resort that reflects the island nation's spirit
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But his autorickshaw saw him through it, and continues to do so. Economic growth is among the many driving factors of the City of Dreams Sri Lanka, by John Keells Holdings and Melco Resorts & Entertainment. It is Sri Lanka's largest investment so far that has set its eyes on attracting tourism from across South Asia. The resort features luxury hotels Cinnamon Life and Nüwa, apart from a casino, a shopping promenade, 17 signature restaurants and bars, event and meeting spaces, residences and offices. Art, everywhere The property takes art seriously, with around 30 pieces by Sri Lanka's top artistes adorning its walls. This includes names such as Chathurika Jayani, Jagath Weerasinghe, Firi Rahman, and Priyantha Udagedara. Sajeewa Premaratne, senior assistant vice president, John Keells Group, takes us through the key works of art, that touch upon subjects of urbanisation and city building, history, flora and fauna of the island, and the ethnic conflict. 'The building itself is conceptualised like a work of art,' says Sajeewa, drawing attention to the façade, interiors, the tile layout, ceilings, carpets, columns and lighting units. 'Much like guard stones that can be found at the entrance of Sri Lankan temples, the building is positioned like the guard stone of Colombo,' he explains, adding that the structure is not defined by rigid boundaries. Prime numbers and mathematical models find their way in the design process. Modern, yet, traditional The property has the sea on one side and Colombo on the other, and has been designed such that there is a harmonious flow of energy and light all around. 'The building has the Sri Lankan spirit, manifested in a more modern way. It is diverse and complex, also very simplistic,' explains James Balmond, the creative director of London-based Balmond Studio that has worked on the interiors for the property. James takes us through the architecture of the building, that was built over a period of 12 years. 'When the building was first conceptualised, our thinking was: with the sea on one side and the city of Colombo that is constantly evolving, the different ethnicities and constantly shifting kinetic ideas, it had to encapsulate all of that.' What's in the sambol? The food too, while it has influences from Indian, Chinese and European cuisines, maintains local flavours at its core. The breakfast spread at Quizine at Cinnamon Life has an exclusive section for Sri Lankan food, with a live counter for egg appams and coconut roti. All had with sambol, of course. Quizine serves a variety of the condiment that is somewhere between chutney and thuvayal. We try the coconut sambol with string hoppers: the powdery concoction of ground coconut, shallots, and red chillies is packed with flavour. There also is the sweet seeni sambol made of caramelised onions and a fierier version with powdered dry fish and coconut that is hugely popular among the locals. Rumesh Fernando, the executive sous chef, says that sambol is had with appam, idiyappam and even rice. 'It is called the rice puller,' says the 40-year-old. 'No matter what we eat, we have a craving for a bit of sambol with it.' Rumesh is from the Moratuwa municipality in the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka and grew up eating fresh seafood every day. 'In our town, fishermen would distribute what they did not sell of the day's catch among the people,' he recalls. While Sri Lankan cuisine is similar to South Indian food, Rumesh points out that they use generous amounts of coconut in every dish. 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The Hindu
a day ago
- The Hindu
Sri Lankan government recognises Sabarimala pilgrimage in Kerala
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News18
2 days ago
- News18
Sri Lanka govt recognises Sabarimala pilgrimage in Kerala
Last Updated: Colombo, Aug 12 (PTI) The Sri Lankan cabinet has decided to give recognition to the annual pilgrimage by nationals to the Ayyappa shrine in Sabarimala, Kerala, according to a cabinet statement released on Tuesday. The decision was taken at the cabinet meeting held here on Monday. Every year, over 15,000 Sri Lankan nationals visit Sabarimala, the statement said, adding 'the pilgrimage will be treated as one recognised by the government." 'For a long period of time Sri Lankan devotees have been worshipping the famous Sabarimala Ayyappa Kovil (shrine) in Kerala, India, every year from November 1 to January 31 of the following year," it said. The annual Mandala puja festival at the Ayyappa shrine in Sabarimala takes place between November and December. Thereafter, the temple opens for the Makaravilakku pilgrimage, which ends in January. The shrine closes after the pilgrimage season ends. PTI CORR RD RD RD RD view comments First Published: August 12, 2025, 18:15 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
