“Around the World in Magnets – Sri Lanka”: Journey that captures island’s soul, one magnet at a time

From left: Jetwing Hotels Director Marketing and Development Hashan Cooray, Ceylon Roots Chief Executive Officer Dishan Perera, Around the World in Magnets Author Vidushi Duggal, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha, Around the World in Magnets Author Dr. Anthony Vipin Das, Around the World in Magnets Sri Lanka Collaborator Michael Jayawardana, Around the World in Magnets Sri Lanka Collaborator Shehani Gomes, Sarasavi Bookshop Director Amendra Haputhanthri and Historian, Author and Film Maker Dr. SinhaRaja Tammita-Delgoda 

Around the World in Magnets 

Travel meets art in a celebration of stories, culture, and craftsmanship with the launch of “Around the World in Magnets – Sri Lanka,” a ground-breaking travelogue by Dr. Anthony Vipin Das and Vidushi Duggal, published by Sarasavi Publishers. 

The book was unveiled on 16 October 2025, at Jetwing Colombo Seven, by High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha.

A first of its kind, this vibrant edition captures the essence of Sri Lanka through an extraordinary collection of 100 magnets, each representing a story, a destination, or a cherished memory from the island. From the northern charm of Jaffna to the southern coastal beauty of Galle, and from the serene Negombo shores to the historic harbour of Trincomalee, the authors journeyed across the nation, immersing themselves in Sri Lanka’s rich art, craft, culture, cuisine and heritage. 

Each magnet in the collection is paired with a three-part narrative, a personal travel anecdote, an insight into the destination, and a guide for exploring further. For those magnets that could not be found during the journey, the authors collaborated with local artisans to handcraft special pieces, infusing the book with creativity and authenticity. The result is a tapestry of stories that transcend borders and transform everyday travel souvenirs into timeless keepsakes.

High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha said: “India and Sri Lanka share a deep and enduring civilisational bond—reflected in our intertwined histories, shared culture, cuisine, and centuries of close people-to-people connections. The book ‘Around the World in Magnets – Sri Lanka’ is a heartening example of the warmth and affection that naturally flow across our borders. It beautifully showcases Sri Lanka’s rich tourism potential and the spirit of friendship that continues to strengthen our ties.”

“Every magnet in this book holds a story—not just of a place, but of the emotion it evoked,” says book co-author Vidushi Duggal.

“Through these miniature masterpieces, we wanted to capture the heartbeat of Sri Lanka—its people, places, and profound sense of connection,” adds co-author Dr. Anthony Vipin Das. 

“We are delighted to celebrate this milestone with our dear friends, Vipin and Vidushi, whose energy and curiosity have deeply inspired us. Supporting ‘Around the World in Magnets – Sri Lanka Edition’ has been a joyful journey. This book captures Sri Lanka through the eyes of two Indian travellers whose passion turns simple magnets into symbols of connection. To us, it reflects not just a story, but the enduring friendship and creative partnership between Sri Lanka and India,” said Project Collaborators Shehani Gomes and Michael Jayawardana. 

Supported by Ceylon Roots and Jetwing Hotels, the project exemplifies a shared vision to promote responsible, immersive tourism and showcase Sri Lanka’s diversity to global travellers. 

Ceylon Roots CEO Dishan Perera said: “We are proud to have partnered on this landmark project, ‘Around the World in Magnets – Sri Lanka,’ which reimagines travel writing for our region. By facilitating the authors’ journey across the island, we helped them uncover the true spirit of Sri Lanka—its culture, history, and the hidden corners often missed by the usual routes. This collaboration reflects our commitment to promoting responsible, immersive tourism and inspiring travellers to connect deeply with the heart and soul of Sri Lanka.”

“This book is a testament to Sri Lanka’s beauty and diversity, and we are delighted to be part of this inspiring journey,” said Jetwing Hotels Director – Marketing and Development Hashan Cooray. “Through this collaboration, we hope to encourage travellers to explore our island more deeply—to go beyond the expected, embrace local experiences, and take home not just souvenirs, but stories.” 

“Around the World in Magnets – Sri Lanka” is more than a travelogue—it is a visual and emotional journey that celebrates discovery, storytelling, and the artistry of exploration. Each page invites readers to travel beyond borders—to discover, to feel, and to remember.