Shenelle Rodrigo becomes Sri Lanka’s first Destination Correspondent for Lonely Planet

Saturday, 28 March 2026 00:43 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Shenelle Rodrigo

Shenelle Rodrigo has been appointed as the country’s first Destination Correspondent by world-famous travel guide Lonely Planet.

Over the past decade, Shenelle Rodrigo, alongside her partner Shehaan Thahir through their platform “Sheneller,” has been documenting Sri Lanka’s people, places, and untold stories. Their work has played a pivotal role in reshaping perceptions of the island, particularly during times of crisis.

From the aftermath of the Easter attacks to the global COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis of 2022, Sheneller has consistently provided real time, on the ground insights that offered clarity to international audiences. Most recently, during the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, the platform became a trusted source of information for travellers, addressing concerns and sharing accurate updates. Through content reaching over 3 million international viewers, these efforts helped safeguard tourism confidence and protect an estimated $ 800,000 in tourism revenue, the platform said in a statement.

Rodrigo’s appointment with Lonely Planet represents a broader recognition of the importance of local storytellers in reclaiming Sri Lanka’s narrative online. This follows another major milestone earlier this year, when Sheneller became the first content creator-led series to be featured on Sri Lankan Airlines’ in-flight entertainment in January. Together, these achievements highlight the growing influence of authentic, locally driven storytelling in shaping how Sri Lanka is seen by the world. By offering nuanced and on-the-ground perspectives, local creators have been able to counter misinformation and present a more balanced and human view of the country to global audiences.

In her new role, Shenelle will focus on uncovering lesser known stories across Sri Lanka, highlighting the depth of its culture, history, and cuisine. Her work aims to go beyond traditional travel recommendations, offering travellers a more meaningful and immersive understanding of the destination.

This collaboration also marks a notable first, as an international travel authority partners directly with a Sri Lankan content creator in this capacity. It underscores the growing influence of the local creator economy and its ability to engage and inform global audiences at scale.

Looking ahead, Shenelle and her team continue to expand their impact through Sheneller Ventures, a travel company offering curated, experience driven tours across Sri Lanka. In parallel, they are preparing to launch Holivate, an innovative platform designed to strengthen collaboration between hotels and content creators by enabling performance driven partnerships based on real booking conversions.