RUHUNU RING: A new chapter in destination storytelling for Sri Lanka’s Deep South

Sri Lanka’s Deep South has officially taken centre stage as a premier destination with the launch of the Ruhunu Ring, a visionary concept initiated by Shangri-La to strengthen destination storytelling and tourism marketing.

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The launch took place at the Sri Lanka Tourism Expo 2025 grand finale and International Tourism Leaders Summit 2025, in the presence of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

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 and sports, wellness and culture.

> Wildlife Ring — 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 and sea