Sri Lanka secured the top spot in the Lonely Planet’s best travel destinations list of countries to visit in 2019.
Germany, Zimbabwe, Panama, Kyrgyzstan, Jordan, Indonesia, Belarus, São Tomé and Príncipe and Belize have been listed as other top global destinations.
“Sri Lanka is decidedly having its moment in the equatorial sun and change is coming swiftly. Already notable to intrepid travellers for its mix of religions and cultures, its timeless temples, its rich and accessible wildlife, its growing surf scene and its people who defy all odds by their welcome and friendliness after decades of civil conflict, this is a country revived,” Lonely Planet said.
“There’s now more than ever for families, adrenaline junkies, eco-tourists, wellness seekers and foodies of all budgets. Even the north and east, including areas previously off limits, difficult to reach or lacking in services, deliver new discoveries,” it also added.
Manicka Vasagar / October 23, 2018
Genocidal Sri Lanka ????
Every Diaspora Tamil visiting SL adds to the top spot. Shame.
/
Kumar R. / October 23, 2018
Manicka,
I beg to differ. That amounts to throwing the baby with the bath water!
.
Perhaps there was some justification during the “war” when there was a need to constrain SL’s foreign exchange so as to limit defense budget. Even that however didn’t work with China and several others competing with China (India?) who showered SL generously, way more than offsetting the Diaspora’s boycotts.
.
The need to continue to bring to light and resolve the racial problem still existing in Sri Lanka is quite different from whether SL’s economy should be compromised intentionally. Diaspora should be fully involved in and be part of Sri Lanka as a whole to bring fair resolution. Remember that it is the economic crisis, namely low Sinhala employment and falling economic growth in SL, that actually led Banda to strategize and fraudulently promise growth and Sinhala employment by raising racist sentiments.
.
Promoting to strangle Sri Lanka economically is the wrong direction in giving a helping hand to Tamils who still live there and will continue to live there forever. We need Sri Lanka to realize that the path to prosperity is to work on shared growth inclusive of Tamils, not exclusive of Tamils and not exclusive of Diaspora.
.
Also note that a huge segment of Diaspora’s commercial activities (food and groceries, travel services) in Canada, Europe and Australia are in fact mutually dependent on/with Sri Lanka. Strengthening that mutual dependence rather than weakening will help Sri Lanka wake up to the need for shared growth with the Tamils and Diaspora.
.
My humble thoughts.
. .
/
Sinhala_Man / October 24, 2018
Dear Kumar R,
.
Thanks for that constructive thinking.
.
Manicka Vasagar, I beg you to start understanding that not all of us Sinhalese are racists. Don’t work with stereotypes. It’ll provoke some moderates also to become bitter. Many of us are unhappy about the way the minorities have been treated.
.
The Economy must be a huge matter of concern for all of us. We just don’t know how to get rid of the rogues who have brought things to this pass.
/
Kumar R. / October 24, 2018
Dear Sinhala_Man,
Dear Sinhala_man
.
I am both surprised and disappointed with your statement “We just don’t know how to get rid of the rogues.” Perhaps you would recall that at an earlier occasion too you made that observation, and followed up with a rather puzzling suggestion that it is up to the Tamils to vigorously protest against the evil of these rogues, implying that is not up to the Sinhalese, racists or otherwise, to help stop electing these nasty leaders one after the other!
.
The rogues continue to be elected either because (a) the racists-Sinhala are in the majority or (b) the majority are non-racist Sinhalese, but they choose to remain an ineffective, spine-free, impotent silent majority. If so, then don’t you think the blame falls squarely on the shoulders of this silent non-racist majority? Shouldn’t the non-racist majority undertake the task to harness that majority as well as the minority to throw the rogues out? Who else can do that? Who should take the blame for allowing the electing rogue-leaders by the racist minority-Sinhalese?
.
I hope you now understand my disappointment that you in particular, despite these relentless writing to pacify, tone-down, dampen and condemn racial intolerance, you will still chose to shirk the responsibility to do anything about it. Do you not realize that just words, written or otherwise, won’t cut it! Words are easy – Deeds are not!!
/
Sinhala_Man / October 25, 2018
Dear Kumar R,
.
Admittedly, it is we, Sinhalese, who, effectively, have run governments since Independence in 1948. Yes, many of us are trying to tone down racial intolerance, and we will continue to do so.
.
We sometimes despair of ever succeeding. There is no guarantee of a happy ending. So, all that you are saying is justified. That is why I welcomed your words.
/
Kumar R. / October 26, 2018
Dear Sinhala_Man,
.
That is sad, at many levels! Very sad!!
/
Manicka Vasagar / October 24, 2018
The priority for the Tamils is for a guaranteed political solution first, to eradicate poverty, human rights issues, to protect our land, culture, heritage, our religions, to live in peace with dignity and safety, and to prosper as Tamils in our Homeland.
Economic development and tourism dollar is for Singhalese and for Sri Lanka only, and for them to continue to wag their tails to the International Community, and to suppress the Tamils further.
An air fare from Europe can support and uplift a family for months !
President refusing the Tamil Diaspora but wants the southerners to develop and control the NE, why?
/
sam / October 25, 2018
you are a retard
/
Sinhala_Man / October 26, 2018
Dear Manicka Vasagar,
.
I understand your bitterness; I can’t agree with you at all.
.
See what I have told Kumar R. the second time. Let’s start admitting that we all over-react at times.
.
I sometimes apologise; I’m not asking you to do that. Just drop the subject, and the next time you comment, please try to be more rational.
/
Eagle Eye / October 23, 2018
Manicka Vasagar,
Sinhalayo do not want Demalu but Demalu need Sinhalayo. Economy of Demalu in the North depends on Sinhalayo. Even tea plantations can manage without Demalu. China has developed sophisticated tea plucking machines.
/
sam / October 25, 2018
you are a retard
/
Sach / October 24, 2018
Manica ask diaspora terrorist to make their visits as soon as possible…bcos after government change diaspora terrorists won’t be allowed in Sri Lanka….ever again
/
Native Vedda / October 24, 2018
Sach the very stupid
–
How come Somawansa and his former fellow JVP terrorists were allowed to return, live, be part of the government of Rajapaksa, ………….. and the big mouth Weerawansa was allowed to say whatever he wants to say, bombing of parliament, …..?
–
Are they smart patriotic terrorists?
/
soma / October 24, 2018
Yes Tamil diaspora who supported LTTE in every respect should never visit Sri Lanka. We don’t want their money. Those who do have no shame.
–
Soma
/
Native Vedda / October 24, 2018
soma
–
“Yes Tamil diaspora who supported LTTE in every respect should never visit Sri Lanka. We don’t want their money. Those who do have no shame.”
–
I may or may not agree with you.
How about those who were actively involved in 1956, 1958, 1960, 1961, 1977, 1981, 1983, 30 years, 1971, 1987/1990, ……………….. and looted the treasury since 1960 to date?
–
Will you find them and throw them in prison. If you do what are you going to do with yourself, will you have yourself deported to South India? Will you force yourself to pay compensation to your victims?
–
Have you ever felt ashamed of yourself for what you have done to “others” since 1956?
/
Fathima / October 23, 2018
It is a very good news. But I am worried that having heard this, some racist Sinhalese will get sudden short-term attachment towards the country from nowhere, and shout all minorities to leave from SL
:-(
/
Sach / October 24, 2018
Who asked you to leave in 24 hours? Who gave you refuge when Portuguese and the Dutch were raping you
/
Fathima / October 24, 2018
Sach,
Poor 8th grade educated guy wouldn’t know that ’24 hours’ was going to cost a historical U turn – paid the price, and called us traitors.
.
Sinhalese kings not only gave us refuge, they gave the women too. We helped them not only in the trading, but also in the wars – For a sample, read the history of Kandy, during king Rajasinha, Muslims helped the king fight and win against a Portuguese invasion. King settled the Moors and allowed them pick young Kandyan women too
.
My friend, there is nothing as free lunch in the world :-)
/
Sinhala_Man / October 24, 2018
Fathima,
.
You, too, have to be asked not to work with stereotypes. I can speak only for myself, obviously; but I reflect the thinking of the silent majority of the majority.
.
At least I hope so!
/
soma / October 24, 2018
If you are not a patriot leave the country.
–
Soma
/
Fathima / October 24, 2018
somass as NV says:
Who are you to say that? Modi has to decide that :-(
/
Native Vedda / October 24, 2018
somass
–
“If you are not a patriot leave the country.”
–
If you are a patriot, please congregate in your 10 square mile area which will be allocated to your fellow mutant Sinhala/Buddhist fascist noisy minority or pack your bags go back to your ancestral homeland, South India.
/
jim softy / October 24, 2018
I know very well you believe in Karma. You must be afraid of Karma getting you.
/
Amarasiri / October 23, 2018
Lonely Planet,
“Sri Lanka secured the top spot in the Lonely Planet’s best travel destinations list of countries to visit in 2019.”
Sri Lanka, The Land of Native Veddah Aethho, Illegally Occupied by the Paras from India and elsewhere, A Land Liker No Other, secured the top spot in the Lonely Planet’s best travel destinations list of countries to visit in 2019.
/
Anpu / October 23, 2018
These tourists should read what is written here https://www.srilankacampaign.org/thinking-of-visiting-sri-lanka-but-concerned-about-human-rights-here-to-help/
/
Sinhala_Man / October 24, 2018
Dear Anpu,
.
Yes, many things have to be put right. I’ve followed the link that you’ve given us. Much sense in it, although I’ve not had the time to navigate it all. I saw this sentence:
.
“We don’t advocate for a boycott of travel to Sri Lanka.”
.
Thanks for your comment. Your voice must be heard.
.
/
soma / October 24, 2018
Anpu
I read it thanks. Every Tamil in the world should read it. Ask big hotels in Colombo how many bookings are there for Tamil weddings of diaspora bride or the groom. I attended one filled with Tamils from all over the world. It was one rare occasion when Tamils looked happy. On the way home I was thinking how they write to web sites describing discrimination they experienced. They all have the same mentality as yours.
–
Soma
/
Native Vedda / October 24, 2018
soma
–
“It was one rare occasion when Tamils looked happy. “
–
Good, probably they didn’t see you or recognise you. Otherwise your appearance would have created an atmosphere of fear and horror in the wedding hall.
–
Were you on reconnaissance visit, fact finding mission, observing strategic points of entry, exit and attack, valuation of the jewellery the entire party wearing for the occasion, ……..
–
Did you also take your local saffron clad thug in mufti with you?
/
Eagle Eye / October 23, 2018
I suggest we put an advertisement in CNN and BBC that reads as follows to attract more tourists:
———————————————————-
“Visit Sri Lanka: The Paradise Island that wiped out the deadliest terrorist organization in the world Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE)”
/
Steve / October 23, 2018
Is the Minister of Tourism going to take credit for this ?
/
soma / October 24, 2018
With a dose of Viagra.
/
K.Pillai / October 23, 2018
{“Sri Lanka Claims Top Spot In Lonely Planet Travel Destinations For 2019”}
SL has a rich history, monuments, beaches, scenery, transport, budget accommodation and so on.
Unscrupulous tourism operators, for short term gain, may introduce sex tourism for pedophiles, drug addicts, alcoholics, gamblers, money launderers, etc. etc. On the long term we will be left with a big big problem. We must plan green-moral-tourism.
We are listed along with, inter alia Zimbabwe and Belize. Remember former President of Zimbabwe Mugabe OKed Cecil the Lion to be trophy hunted for US$50,000/-.
About Commonwealth University in Belize, ask Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapaksha.
/
Sach / October 24, 2018
Suffer suffer suffer….mentally suffer
/
Native Vedda / October 24, 2018
Sach ……………..the very stupid
–
“Suffer suffer suffer….mentally suffer”
–
I can feel your pain.
As far as I know there is no cure for paranoia.
My heart goes out to those suffer from paranoia, the Sinhala/Buddhist noisy minority.
/
Rohan / October 23, 2018
Fuck all of you! When some thing good is there to celebrate and to be cheerful, there are these idiots come out with all negativ stories. Think positive, be positive, don’t harp on all negative things, life is short.
/
M. Sajjad / October 23, 2018
Whoever comments here from minority communities on this tiny achievement of Sri Lanka sounds negative and not seen happy about it. This shows that they don’t wholeheartedly feel they are part of Sri Lanka and probably a reflects how much they have been discriminated and sidelined by the majority, majority governments etc
/
Eagle Eye / October 23, 2018
Sajjad,
“probably a reflects how much they have been discriminated and sidelined by the majority, majority governments etc”
Balls! In Sri Lanka, minority Demalu discriminated against majority Sinhalayo. Probably, you do not know the history of Sinhale. These guys who write all nasty things about Sri Lanka and Rajapakses are Tamil Diaspora stooges. They have an ax to grind for eliminating their Sun God. They have a grudge because all the money that they pumped to LTTE went down the drain. They have a grudge because they cannot extort money from innocent Demalu on the premise that they will establish Thamil Eelam and have a posh life.
/
Sach / October 24, 2018
It shows how ungrateful and racist they are. Minorities can be very very racist. In our case we are living with two of the biggest fascists in the world. One linguistic fascists and other religious fascists. Muslims achieved most from the end of war.
/
soma / October 24, 2018
Sajad
But they prefer to live in genocidal Sinhala Majority areas. So I don’t care. I will feel ashamed as a Sinhalese only the day they start moving into the areas earmarked for their envisaged Homeland. I take their hypocrisy with a pinch of salt.
–
Soma
/
soma / October 24, 2018
Another unhappy day for the Tamil racist donkeys on CT.
–
Soma
/
Native Vedda / October 24, 2018
soma
–
“Another unhappy day for the Tamil racist donkeys on CT.”
–
I know it is sad for you.
Yes, your days in this island is numbered.
The sooner you leave, the better for rest of the people.
/
John / October 24, 2018
Sajjad,
If they feel discriminated and sidelined, what they must do is to fully integrate with native Sinhala-Buddhist, especially cunning Muslims who couldn’t be bothered to join the army but have gone to join 1s1s. Recently a Muslim politician with intent to attack native Sinhalese has been arrested with a whole armory.
/
Fathima / October 24, 2018
Not sure if you are a ‘Native John’ or a ‘Relative John’ in SL, anyway,
.
There is already good relations and integrations between these 2 communities. Just check how many Muslims have joined the forces, intelligence unit and overall support extended to win the war. This number could have been more, had they not been sidelined prior to LTTE period also. If you are very sure of SL Muslims joining ISIS, please get in touch with the authorities and give them the info to show your patriotism towards SL please.
.
/
chiv / October 24, 2018
Manica Vasagar (I guess your name means a lot and stands for tolerance) and Eagle eye(I have nothing to say about your name) Please think about it again. One person does not reflect a community. A community does not reflect a whole religion, religions should not decide the unity among people. We not see our own mom based on religion, community or country. She is about love, affection and giving life.But I do have the concern for Lankans how they treat the tourist. It is the majority which is forcing there narrow minded thinking and blindness on others. Swim suit issues, dress depicting godly figures, harassing in name of religion and all the shit (religious bigotry, RAW, pills in food,burning shops) are being published for world to see. It takes only one stupid person for a sensible country to issue travel precaution to their citizens. Especially with upcoming elections related activities will be closely watched for adversity.So please THINK BEFORE YOU WRITE.
/
chiv / October 24, 2018
Manica Vasagar, dont you think you need to more concerned about northern council and how it started with fan fare and euphoria , ended in a thud as expected( history keeps repeating) with multiple fractions all going after each other. Ananthy, Wiggy, Mavai ,Sivaji, Gajan former militants and multiple others. Hope trying keeping them together will not take its toll on the health and well being Sambandan , the one and only moderate left from the old school.
/
Jo / October 24, 2018
Good news. And the low exchange rate will help the country in this regard. High time SriLankan Airlines relaunches its European routes.
/
chiv / October 24, 2018
Rabble – rousers, I see quite a few have come out in a pack. Please dont take away the glimmer of future by your racial,filthy and ignorant comments.And Soma you are one of those pseudos who pretends to be a patriot and keeps questioning others Your defence mechanism is childish and unhealthy with holes which is obvious to others.You guys are proxies doing the bidding for your crooked master who keeps throwing crumbs to lick. With you guys around it is not a surprise why Lanka has failed as a nation. Any of your uttering or deeds are good enough to keep the sensible tourist away.You do not need the help of Manika Vasagar .
/
Nimal Tissa Wijethunga / October 24, 2018
Native Veddah/Angoda Veddah/Kala Veddah,
Only questions and no logical comments. Hik hik.
/
wannihami / October 24, 2018
I am going to ignore the proxy war in the comments above. Instead I want to point out that Sri Lanka has a long way to go if it wants repeat tourists. I don’t know whether Lonely Planet did this in an altruistic move to send tourists to places where they don’t want to go, but the list, how can I put it, puzzling.
/
Mano / October 24, 2018
Sinhala Man.
Glad to see that you sound like a perfect Moderate Democratic Gentlemen like many other Majority Sinhala Politicians of all hues. But all are smart enough to ignore the essentials that led to the war and the way it was brought to a bloody dirty end.
Has anything changed in your perception after the war?
Go to the North and East and see for yourself to know the truth on the Ground. That is, only if you are humane .
/
Sinhala_Man / October 25, 2018
Dear Mano,
.
Travel is not always easy, but I have indeed been thrice to the North during the past thirty months or so, and I have, after each of those trips come up with my observations, here on CT, although only as comments on what others have written. I can’t still say that I know your part of the country adequately, but my observations did confirm many of the things that people up North complain about.
.
I went on those trips with a group of retired teachers from a school in Uva. Not all of us had the same perceptions, but we all behaved with a degree of humility – as contrasted with the outright triumphalism of many of the groups who’ve been going up.
.
Of the roughly thirty-five on each trip, at least four of us were disappointed that more is not being done to re-assure Tamil citizens that you are respected members of our State – which all of us Sinhalese want to preserve as a unit in a world where not one country can now claim to be totally sovereign.
.
We may not agree on all details, but thanks for your approbation.
/
Latha / October 25, 2018
Manicka & other diaspora Tamils
Please don’t visit SL. Leave us alone, free of you & mind your own business.
/
Native Vedda / October 26, 2018
Latha
–
“Please don’t visit SL. Leave us alone, free of you & mind your own business.”
–
Are you part of the raiding party which plans to rob whatever is left in the treasury or hunt for archaeological treasure? Or are you planning to live together with Dr Go alone in this island in case if he wins the elections?
/