Blog

SL Expats 6 min read

Hidden gems in Sri Lanka for expat families: Beyond Galle, Kandy to Ella, Mirissa offbeat spots.

Why Venture Beyond Sri Lanka's Tourist Trail? Galle Fort is beautiful, Kandy is rich with history, and the train to Ella is a classic adventure. As an expat family, you have likely enjoyed these famous spots. But living in Sri Lanka offers a chance to go much deeper. Venturing beyond the main touri...

Jan 11, 2026 57

Entrepreneurs 10 min read

Merril J. Fernando – Tea Philosopher Who Brewed Ethics into Global Gold

Introduction: The Face on the Box and the Philosophy in the Cup Walk into almost any supermarket in the world, and you will see a familiar, smiling face on a box of tea. That face belongs to Merril J. Fernando, the founder of Dilmah. But he was much more than a logo. He was a tea philosopher who bu...

Jan 11, 2026 131

SL Expats 7 min read

Visa-free family trips from Australia to Sri Lanka: Accommodation, activities, and budgets.

## Understanding Sri Lanka's Visa-Free Travel for Australians Planning a family trip to Sri Lanka from Australia is now easier and more affordable. To encourage tourism, the Sri Lankan government has launched a visa-free travel program for citizens of several countries, including Australia. This me...

Jan 11, 2026 60

Entrepreneurs 9 min read

Sumal Perera – Infrastructure Wizard Paving Post-War Sri Lanka's Roads to Riches

Introduction: The Architect of a New Era After decades of conflict, Sri Lanka stood at a crossroads in 2009. The war was over, but much of the country was broken. Roads were damaged, bridges were gone, and communities were cut off from each other. To build a future of peace and wealth, the nation n...

Jan 11, 2026 195

SL Expats 7 min read

Insurance for Sri Lankan families back home: Critical illness and life cover from abroad.

The Expat’s Promise: Protecting Your Family’s Future in Sri Lanka Working abroad often means sending money home to support loved ones. While these funds cover daily needs and education, a sudden health crisis can create a major financial burden. For Sri Lankan expatriates, securing insurance for fam...

Jan 11, 2026 72

Entrepreneurs 9 min read

Aban Pestonjee – Appliance Emperor Building Retail Giants from Single Shelves

Who is Aban Pestonjee? The Visionary Behind the Empire Before Abans became a household name across Sri Lanka, it was just a simple idea in the mind of one woman: Aban Pestonjee. She is the visionary founder who turned a small home-based venture into one of the country's largest and most trusted reta...

Jan 11, 2026 127

SL Expats 6 min read

Invest remittances in Sri Lanka: Fixed deposits, CSE stocks, and crypto from NZ/UK.

## Why Invest Your Remittances in Sri Lanka Now? After a few tough years, it is natural to be careful about investing back home. However, Sri Lanka is now at a turning point. The economy is showing signs of steady recovery, creating a unique chance for those living in the UK and New Zealand to make...

Jan 11, 2026 20

Entrepreneurs 9 min read

Otara Gunewardene – Fashion Rebel Who Dressed Colombo and Saved Strays

The Unconventional Beginnings of a Fashion Icon Many successful people have a clear plan for their future. Otara Gunewardene’s story, however, started differently. She did not study fashion or business in university. Instead, she earned a degree in biology in the United States. When she returned ho...

Jan 11, 2026 127

SL Expats 7 min read

Tax planning for Sri Lankan expats: FIFO, foreign income declarations, and ATO compliance.

## Determining Your Australian Tax Residency Status The first step in managing your taxes is to figure out your Australian tax residency status. This is crucial because it is not the same as your citizenship or visa. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has its own rules to decide if you are an "Au...

Jan 11, 2026 77

SL Expats 7 min read

How to buy property in Sri Lanka from abroad: Visa restrictions, FDI, and mortgage hacks.

Can Foreigners Legally Buy Property in Sri Lanka? Yes, foreigners can legally own property in Sri Lanka, but there are important rules to follow. The process is different depending on whether you are buying an apartment or a piece of land with a house. For many, the easiest way to invest is by purc...

Jan 11, 2026 179

Entrepreneurs 8 min read

Dhammika Perera – Corporate Turnaround Titan Mastering Conglomerates from Ceramics to Finance

Who is Dhammika Perera: The Architect of Sri Lanka's Modern Conglomerates Dhammika Perera is one of Sri Lanka’s most famous and influential businessmen. He is known for building large groups of companies, called conglomerates, that operate in many different industries. Starting with humble beginnin...

Jan 11, 2026 139

Mobile & Gadgets 8 min read

Best budget smartphones under LKR 50,000 in Sri Lanka 2026 (Samsung vs Xiaomi

The LKR 50,000 Smartphone Battleground in Sri Lanka (2026) In 2026, the smartphone market under LKR 50,000 is where the real fight happens for most Sri Lankan buyers. This price point offers the best mix of modern features and affordability. Two giants, Samsung and Xiaomi, dominate this space. They...

Jan 11, 2026 358