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Sri Lanka’s tea exports to the UAE rose 3.3% in 2025 to 18.32 million kilograms, underscoring strong demand and the reputation of Ceylon tea for quality and authenticity. Speaking at an International Tea Day celebration at Abu Dhabi Global Market, Ambassador Dr Arusha Cooray highlighted the legacy of Sri Lankan tea, its economic contribution, and the distinctive character of teas from the island’s seven growing regions.

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry achieved a historic milestone in May, recording its highest-ever tourist arrivals for the month with 145,745 visitors, surpassing the previous May record of 132,919 arrivals in 2025 and registering a 9.65% year-on-year (YoY) increase.

The strong performance comes despite challenges posed by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which disrupted long-haul air traffic and increased travel costs across several key markets.

The latest data released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) indicate a gradual strengthening in monthly arrival momentum after several months of relatively subdued growth.

The May performance pushed cumulative arrivals for the first five months of 2026 above the 1 million mark, reaching over 1.02 million visitors. However, year-to-date (YTD) arrivals remain marginally lower, down 1% compared to the corresponding period last year.

Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath yesterday described the achievement as a significant turning point for the industry, highlighting the recovery from pandemic-era lows.

Young Sri Lankan driver is set to make his Monaco debut this weekend as the FIA Formula 3 Championship resumes after its opening round in Melbourne.

Driving for AIX Racing, the 18-year-old enters the iconic street race after testing at the Red Bull Ring, simulator preparation, and time spent balancing his racing programme with A-Level examinations.

David, the first Sri Lankan to compete in FIA Formula 3, said Monaco is one of motorsport’s biggest challenges due to its narrow layout, limited overtaking opportunities and high track evolution.

“Confidence and precision are just as important as outright speed,” David said, adding that he had focused heavily on simulator work ahead of the weekend.

The Monaco round runs from June 4 to 7, with the Sprint Race on Saturday and Feature Race on Sunday, according to the FIA Formula 3 calendar.

David will also race with a special helmet tribute to Ayrton Senna, whose Monaco performances remain among the most famous in Formula 1 history.