The launch took place at the Sri Lanka Tourism Expo 2025 Grand Finale and International Tourism Leaders Summit 2025, in the presence of H.E. the President of Sri Lanka, Anura Kumara.
The Ruhunu Ring — Sri Lanka’s first major destination circuit since the Cultural Triangle of 1978 — stretches from Bentota on the west coast to Arugam Bay on the eastern shores, sweeping inland to Ella.
It brings together some of the island’s most captivating yet under-explored destinations, connecting golden beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, forest monasteries, cinnamon gardens, and surf towns into one cohesive tourism story.
It unites five thematic journeys that together form a living tapestry of discovery: Wildlife, Culinary, Adventure & Sports, Wellness, and Culture.
The Five Rings of Discovery
• Wildlife Ring – The Miracle 12
The south is home to some of the world’s most extraordinary biodiversity — including the highest density of leopards in the world at Yala, majestic blue whales off Mirissa, Asian elephants in Udawalawe, the rare sloth bear, endemic bird species in Kumana, and vibrant marine life.
Nowhere else in the world can travellers encounter whales, elephants, and leopards within just a few hours of travel.
• Culinary Ring – Cinnamon & Sea
Southern Sri Lanka’s culinary story is one of spice, heritage, and coastal abundance.
From fiery fish curries and king coconut to cinnamon gardens, toddy tastings, beach grills in Tangalle, fusion brunches in Galle Fort, and slow-brew coffee in Ella — the region is a mosaic of authentic flavours.
It celebrates not just food, but the traditions and people behind it.
• Adventure & Sports Ring – Solo to Family
Adventure is the heartbeat of the Ring — from surf breaks in Weligama, Hiriketiya and Arugam Bay, sunrise hikes in Ella, cycling trails through cinnamon backroads, deep-sea fishing, lagoon canoeing, camping, to cricket at Galle International Stadium and golf at Hambantota.
It’s a playground for solo travellers, families, and thrill seekers alike.
• Wellness Ring – Ayurvedic & Holistic
The Ruhunu Ring is also a sanctuary for the soul.
With ancient Ayurvedic treatments, beachside yoga, forest meditation, and holistic healing rituals, the south offers transformative wellness experiences.
From sunrise yoga sessions on Tangalle’s beaches to rainforest retreats in Ella, wellness here is not a trend — it’s a way of life.
• Culture Ring – History • Lifestyle • Festivals
Culture lives in the south’s temples, festivals, crafts, and daily rhythms.
From Galle Fort’s cobblestone streets to Kataragama’s pilgrimages, Mulkirigala’s rock temples, Ambalangoda’s masks and drumming traditions, Ranminithenna Telecinema Village, and cinnamon craft in Habaraduwa — this is living heritage, not a museum. Festivals and rituals unfold year-round, giving travellers a window into the soul of Sri Lanka.
A National Call to Collaborate
The initiative was endorsed by Sri Lanka Tourism Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam, who emphasized the importance of public–private collaboration in driving destination growth.
“Sri Lanka’s tourism industry needs bold new product development that goes beyond traditional touchpoints.
The Ruhunu Ring represents exactly that — a chance to unlock the full potential of the south, stretching from the western and southern provinces to the east,” Hewawasam said.
“This region holds some of the most fascinating and yet under-explored destinations in the country.
Its strength lies in authenticity, layered experiences, and living landscapes — not staged tourism.”
He noted that this is the first large-scale destination product initiated by the private sector, “and it carries tremendous promise for regional and national growth.
We invite hoteliers, operators, and communities to join us in bringing this vision to life, driving engagement with people, and creating new pathways for income generation and inclusive tourism development.
For Sri Lanka to thrive as a destination, the private and public sectors must work hand in hand.
The Ruhunu Ring provides the framework for that collaboration.”
“This is not simply a project; it is a story of a destination coming together,” added Refhan Razeen, General Manager of Shangri-La Hambantota.
“The Ruhunu Ring gives Sri Lanka’s south its own identity — a powerful, cohesive narrative designed to inspire travellers around the world.”
The Ruhunu Ring was officially launched on 2 October 2025 and aims to unite hoteliers, airlines, DMCs, operators, provincial councils, cultural and wildlife authorities, and communities under a shared vision.
By aligning efforts, it seeks to elevate Sri Lanka’s south as a globally recognised destination, mirroring the transformative impact the Cultural Triangle had in 1978.
Digital Platform Now Live
To support this effort, a dedicated website — www.ruhunuring.com — has been launched, providing curated itineraries, maps, storytelling content, imagery, and media resources for partners and travellers alike.
Image Caption
1. A symbolic moment: Shangri-La Hambantota General Manager Refhan Razeen hands over a token to H.E. the President of Sri Lanka, celebrating the official launch of the Ruhunu Ring — a new chapter in destination storytelling.
2. Ruhunu Ring – Culturally Wild Logo