It’s a wrap Sri Lanka!
After a month — and a lot of miles — it’s time to say “bye for now” to Sri Lanka.
What a surprise this country has been. It’s climbed straight into my top three favourite destinations, even nudging India down a notch (which is saying something). Sri Lanka feels more approachable — cleaner, friendlier, safer. Less chaotic, despite what some of my photos and videos might suggest. It helps that it’s smaller, of course, but there’s also a different spirit here.
There’s a genuine kindness in Sri Lankans. When they laugh, it comes from their hearts, it’s unforced, wholehearted. You can’t help but feel welcome. And the food!! Oh my, the delicious food!
That’s not to say the country doesn’t face real challenges. Disparity and poverty are visible. With limited manufacturing and few major industries, the economy leans heavily on tourism — much of it driven by small businesses. That kind of reliance makes diversification difficult and leaves the country vulnerable to forces beyond its control (pandemics, global downturns, travellers changing their minds).
Several people we spoke with — young and old — shared the same hope: now that government corruption, the central campaign promise of the current administration, appears to be under control, it’s time to turn full attention to rebuilding the economy. There’s cautious optimism. New Chinese investment is arriving, but significant global debts are coming due in the next few years. As more than one person told us, the hard part is just beginning.
And yet — challenges and all — Sri Lanka leaves us deeply grateful… and already a little nostalgic.
I may even miss the crazy red buses hurtling toward us on blind curves (will I miss the constant sense of mild peril? Perhaps). I will never again casually use the phrase “stop being a monkey” after witnessing the highly organized gangs of primates here — strategic, bold, and clearly running their own operations. The tuk-tuk traffic ballet? Equal parts terror and entertainment. And those innocent-looking pale green chilis? I now know better.
The food. The landscapes. The sacred sites. The people. We loved every minute.
We’re already plotting a return — we didn’t make it north to Jaffna or across to the eastern coast.
For now, enjoy Collected Moments gallery of favourite memories. Next stop: Melaka, Malaysia for a week — then on to Indonesia.