Diary of a Sri Lanka tourist

Our very own Ed Martin took on reconnaissance duties ahead of England’s visit to Sri Lanka next year.

Here’s what he discovered…

Day 1

My journey to Sri Lanka began at London Heathrow, Terminal 3, on a Friday evening. I was excited but unsure what to expect from the week ahead. Having visited India for the ICC ODI World Cup in 2023, I was eager to see both the similarities and differences between the two countries.

I must say, I was impressed by the service and comfort provided by SriLankan Airlines. Starting the trip with an overnight flight felt a little daunting, but the experience was excellent. I’d certainly fly with them again (and hopefully will in January!).

Day 2

I landed at Bandaranaike Airport in the mid-afternoon and was greeted warmly with a flower necklace. It was then that I met my driver for the week, the wonderful Aruna. After a quick transit through the airport, we headed out to explore Negombo and its beach resorts.

I particularly liked the Jetwing Beach Hotel and had a fantastic experience at Suriya Resort, both excellent options for a few days of relaxation after cricket.

Day 3

Day 3 brought my first taste of Sri Lankan cricket. On the drive to Dambulla, we stopped at the Welagedara Stadium, a charming first-class ground with a stunning hillside backdrop and an old-fashioned scoreboard, the highlights of the visit.

Once in Dambulla, we toured several hotels in preparation for the upcoming white-ball tour in January. My favourite was the Heritance Kandalama, offering breathtaking lakeside views, closely followed by the boutique Arika Villas: an intimate property perfect for a small ICT group, tucked away in the countryside.

Day 4

My first international stadium visit was to the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. Even empty, it was easy to imagine the atmosphere once international cricket returns here. Investment is clearly being made too, with a new media centre under construction.

Next came the Cave Temple of Dambulla, a true highlight. The temple’s ancient Buddhist paintings and sculptures, remarkably well-preserved despite being centuries old, were awe-inspiring. The climb of around 150 steps to reach it was well worth the effort!

In the afternoon, we travelled to Kandy, breaking the journey at a spice plantation. It was fascinating to see how much is produced locally and to sample spiced teas. I picked up some tea bags and black pepper as souvenirs.

That evening in Kandy, I enjoyed dinner at the Slightly Chilled Lounge, overlooking Kandy Lake: a wonderful spot with great food and welcoming company.

Day 5

Day 5 was all about Kandy. We began at the Pallekele International Stadium, my favourite of the trip. Relatively small in size, it promises an electric atmosphere and plenty of runs thanks to its short boundaries. I truly hope it features on the 2026 tour schedule.

We then visited the Asgiriya Stadium, currently used for club matches but with a substantial spectator stand. This would be ideal for our clubs and schools touring groups.

Hotel visits followed: the Cinnamon Citadel and the luxurious Earl’s Regency. The latter stood out as an exceptional choice for those seeking high-end accommodation.

That night, I stayed at the brand-new Cinnamon Mist. The rooftop bar was a particular highlight and will no doubt be a favourite for our touring groups in 2026.

Day 6

This was my longest travel day: the drive from Kandy to Galle. The journey was broken up with a stop at the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, a truly unforgettable experience. Watching elephants up close – and even seeing visitors feed them – was magical. My favourite moment was watching a young elephant enjoy its fruit with great enthusiasm.

In Galle, we toured the iconic Galle International Stadium. Given its history and setting, it was surreal to walk through the stands, explore the changing rooms, and even sit where Harry Brook, our new white-ball captain, might find himself in January.

Later, we explored Galle Fort, steeped in history and full of charming shops, restaurants, and bars. I could easily understand why the fort walls are packed with spectators during matches, offering such an incredible view of the cricket.

Day 7

On my final full day, we travelled from Galle to Colombo; a straightforward journey of about an hour and a half. No time for rest, though: there were still stadiums and hotels to see.

First was the R. Premadasa Stadium, an enormous ground with towering stands. I was lucky enough to step out onto the square and chat with the head curator, who quizzed me about my own ground back in England. I didn’t have the heart to admit it was just a small public field, so I nodded along as he spoke about Rye and Bermuda grasses!

We then visited SSC (Singhalese Sports Club) and NCC (Nondescripts Cricket Club), two historic grounds that back onto each other. With both clubs dating back to before 1900, I couldn’t help but imagine the cricketing greats who had graced those pitches. I even caught a live game at SSC, spotting a few familiar names on the scoreboard,  including A. Matthews.

Two hotels in Colombo particularly impressed me: Cinnamon Lakeside and Cinnamon Life. Both exuded luxury but in very different ways.

Cinnamon Life was dazzling. A brand-new property with nine restaurants and a wine cellar boasting the largest collection in Sri Lanka, perhaps even Asia. I could happily have stayed there for a week without leaving the hotel.

For my final night, I stayed at Cinnamon Lakeside. Its beautiful garden bar, overlooking the water, provided the perfect setting to reflect on what had been a whirlwind but unforgettable week in Sri Lanka.

Day 8

It was time to head home to England, smiling all the way after what truly was the trip of a lifetime.

Final Thoughts

Sri Lanka exceeded all my expectations. For cricket lovers, it is a destination not to be missed — but what really stood out to me were the people. Everywhere I went, I was met with warmth and friendliness. I cannot think of a single negative from my time there.

As a holiday destination, Sri Lanka is already outstanding. Add in cricket, and it becomes something truly special. This cricket-loving nation is breathtakingly beautiful and absolutely deserves a place on your bucket list.

I hope you’ll join us there in 2026!