SriLankan Airlines marked its 46th anniversary on 1 September 2025, celebrating nearly five decades of connecting people, cultures, and trade across the globe. Known for its warm Sri Lankan hospitality and award-winning service, the airline continues to be a proud ambassador for the nation while maintaining global standards in operations. With a focus on growth and innovation, SriLankan Airlines remains committed to expanding its network while offering passengers seamless travel experiences that blend comfort with cultural richness.

To mark the occasion, the airline has introduced attractive anniversary offers for travelers. Passengers booking through the official website between 1 and 5 September 2025 can enjoy 20% off Business Class and 15% off Economy Class return fares to all online destinations. Members of the FlySmiLes loyalty programme will also earn 46% bonus miles if they book within the first two weeks of September, symbolising the airline’s 46 years in the skies.

The celebrations also extend to the airline’s dedicated staff, recognising their contribution to its success. Throughout September, a series of special internal events will be held, including religious services to invoke blessings on the airline and its employees. This initiative reflects the company’s belief that its workforce is an integral part of its journey and continued excellence.

Over the decades, SriLankan Airlines has adapted to changing market demands and challenges in the aviation industry. It remains one of South Asia’s leading international carriers, offering an extensive route network and maintaining a reputation for reliability and service quality. The airline’s resilience and strategic vision have allowed it to remain competitive and relevant in a dynamic global market.

In 2025, SriLankan Airlines has received multiple prestigious accolades, further cementing its industry position. These include Best People’s Airline of the Year at the Hybiz TV Business Excellence Awards, Outstanding Food Service by a Carrier – South Asia at the PAX Readership Awards, and Most Loved Brand in Aviation in LMD’s Most Loved Brands list. It also secured Silver in the Best Regional Airline category at the ShareTrip–Monitor Airline of the Year and was named Best Airline for South Asia at the International Tourism Awards.

Looking ahead, SriLankan Airlines aims to build on its achievements by enhancing passenger experiences, expanding its destinations, and strengthening its role as a bridge between Sri Lanka and the rest of the world. The airline’s legacy is not only defined by years in service but also by the trust, loyalty, and memories it has created for millions of travelers.

Latvia has introduced a new electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system, requiring certain travelers to provide detailed information online before entering the country. The declaration must include the purpose of travel, planned stay details, travel route, contact information, and any elected positions held by the traveller or their relatives. Additionally, it will require disclosure of election candidacy, previous or current state or local government roles, and past service in the Armed Forces, Special Services, Border Guard, Customs, Interior, Justice, or Foreign Affairs services.

Once submitted, applicants will receive a confirmation email acknowledging the receipt of the form. However, this confirmation is not an entry permit but a compulsory declaration. Authorities warn that any omission or misrepresentation in the form could result in refusal of entry. Failure to comply or providing false information could lead to administrative fines of up to EUR 2,000, as outlined in the decree approved by the Saeima in April.

The new ETA system is designed to help Latvian authorities identify potential high-risk travelers before they arrive. This pre-screening will allow border police, security services, and other government agencies to access relevant information quickly, enhancing national security. The measure forms part of Latvia’s broader border control and public safety strategy.

The ETA will function independently from the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which is set to begin at the end of 2026. While ETIAS will apply across all 30 Schengen area countries, the Latvian ETA will only be valid for entry into Latvia and will not grant entry approval — it is strictly a data collection process.

Under ETIAS, visa-exempt travelers will need to register online, pay EUR 20, and receive authorisation valid for up to three years or until passport expiration. This European system is aimed at streamlining travel security checks across the Schengen zone. The Latvian ETA, on the other hand, serves national interests by focusing specifically on entry into Latvia.

At present, there is no official statement on how the Latvian ETA and ETIAS will operate together. A temporary overlap between the two systems is possible once ETIAS comes into effect. Until then, travellers should ensure they understand and comply with the requirements for Latvia’s ETA to avoid delays, penalties, or refusal of entry.

Viral Reddit Post: A foreign tourist’s post on Reddit has started a big debate online after he shared his bitter experience in India. The traveller, who mentioned in the comments that he is from Switzerland, said that within just two days of his trip, he came across several scam attempts that left him upset and questioning whether he would ever suggest India as a travel spot to anyone. In his post, he explained that it was his second visit to India and he was excited about the energy and new experiences. But things changed when an Uber driver allegedly misled him by saying the road was blocked due to a landslide and took him to a hotel where people tried to overcharge him.

The tourist refused to fall into the trap and managed to get another taxi, but the experience ruined his plans for the night. Sharing his frustration, he wrote, “I would not tell my mom, my sister, or my friends to come here. It’s just so many scams going on and many people have bad intentions towards you.”

His strong words quickly went viral, with some internet users agreeing with him and others pointing out that scams are common in many countries and that precautions are always necessary.

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Watch The Viral Post:

I enjoy traveling in India, but I can’t recommend it to anyone.
byu/Gurumanyo inindia

The post garnered significant likes, comments and views from Reddit users. One user wrote, “Bro they are ready to scam their fellow countrymen, what makes you think they won’t scam you? For them you are just a rich customer with little knowledge.” “There is zero law enforcement across all sectors. No one is scared and everyone can get away paying a small bribe if they are caught,” a second user wrote.

“There are too many people there with minimal resources. People scamming others is, unfortunately, just an everyday thing. It’s just a way of life, but on the other side, there are a ton of really good people, too,” wrote a third user. “Sorry for your experience, mate!! If it’s any consolation, we fellow Indians are not immune to these scams either,” added a fourth user.