001
8 Sept 202354K
Money and currency in Sri Lanka
Which currencies are most convenient in Sri Lanka, how UnionPay cards work, and exchanging rubles for rupees.
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Work and money
Work, earnings, currency exchange and personal finance on the island.
002
8 Sept 202354K
Prices for coconuts, fruit, and groceries
Prices for coconuts, fruit, and groceries in tourist and non-tourist areas.
Open source003
5 Dec 202335K
The Kitesurfing Industry
The growth of kitesurfing as a tourist destination and local business.
Open source004
26 Dec 2023150K
Coconut Prices
The real cost of a king coconut and the typical markups charged to tourists.
Open source005
26 Dec 2023150K
Exchanging Rubles
The option of exchanging rubles for rupees and using Russian payment methods.
Open source006
31 Mar 202427K
Buying Plane Tickets
Comparing the cost of an independent flight against package tours to Sri Lanka.
Open source007
31 Mar 202427K
Saving on the Transfer
Splitting the cost of a minivan among several passengers.
Open source008
31 Mar 202427K
Eating on the Island
The cost of eating at local cafes compared with cooking for yourself.
Open source009
31 Mar 202427K
Cost of Transport
Comparing the cost of tuk-tuk and bike rides with renting your own vehicle.
Open source010
31 Mar 202427K
Cost of Public Transport
Examples of fares for intercity bus and rail journeys.
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013
17 Apr 202435K
Cards from Belarusian banks
How cards from Belarusian banks work on the island.
Open source014
17 Apr 202435K
Cigarettes
The price of cigarettes on the island and locals' attitude towards tobacco products.
Open source015
17 Apr 202435K
10% service charge
The specifics of the mandatory service charge in cafes and restaurants.
Open source016
17 Apr 202435K
Currency exchange
The differences between dollar bills of various series and exchanging euros.
Open source017
018
15 Sept 202415K
Collaborating with hotels
The model of exchanging content for accommodation and working with hotels on a barter basis.
Open source019
15 Sept 202415K
Service in Russia and Sri Lanka
A comparison of the level of service, infrastructure and consumer experience.
Open source020
15 Sept 202415K
Working with brands
Collaborating with local and foreign brands through barter agreements.
Open source021
19 Dec 202456K
Car rental
Renting a Toyota Prius for around 15,000 rupees per day and the advantages of traveling by car.
Open source022
10 Feb 2023136K
Work and money
Exchanging dollars and rubles through jewelry shops and Telegram communities.
Open source023
21 Feb 202321K
Working conditions of tea pickers
The working conditions of tea pickers and pay levels on the plantations.
Open source024
9 Aug 202315K
Local business: drone filming near waterfalls
A local business: filming tourists by drone near waterfalls for a small fee.
Open source025
23 Aug 2023168K
Currency exchange on the island
Exchanging currency at the airport, jewellery shops, and through rouble-to-rupee exchangers.
Open source026
027
9 May 2026
Looking for a videographer in Sri Lanka for a YouTube project
A documentary YouTube project about life and business in Sri Lanka is looking for a videographer with their own equipment, relevant experience, and English skills, preferably based in Galle or the south.
Open source028
15 Apr 2026
Offline AI breakfast event in Unawatuna
Announcement of the offline AI breakfast 'IIshnitza' on April 18, 2026, for those already using ChatGPT, Claude, and other AI tools but without a systematic approach.
Open source029
9 Mar 2026
Ad targeting in Sri Lanka: first results and partnerships
Geo-targeting in Sri Lanka only reaches tourists from the past 10 days; however several tour operators agreed to partner, though tourist flow has halved.
Open source030
26 Feb 2026
Work Pace and Business Culture in Sri Lanka: an Organiser's Lesson
A producer recounts how searching for a local show organiser revealed differences in work pace and business culture in Sri Lanka.
Open source031
20 Feb 2026
The «Invisible» Show in Galle: Day One
The author begins a 30-day diary of organising the «Invisible» show in Galle, describing a meeting with auditors and plans to legalise the project.
Open source032
31 Oct 2025
Legal Breakfast: FEA and business without IIA for foreigners
Announcement of the regular Legal Breakfast event covering FEA regulations and the risks of conducting business in Sri Lanka without opening an IIA.
Open source033
6 Oct 2025
Russian-Language Business on the Island Faces an Unusual Season
The author analyzes the decline in Russian tourist arrivals and growth of other markets, predicting a challenging but interesting season for Russian-language businesses.
Open source034
2 Oct 2025
Legal Breakfast on Saturday: Business and New Immigration Requirements
Announcement of Saturday's Legal Breakfast: discussions will cover new Immigration Department requirements for foreign businesses, IIA account top-ups, and the La Boheme restaurant case study.
Open source035
28 Aug 2025
Lolami Café in Mirissa Seeks a Consulting Chef
Lolami Café in Mirissa is looking for a consulting chef to revamp the menu, develop recipes, train staff, and provide seasonal kitchen oversight.
Open source036
10 Apr 2025
New channel on law and business in Sri Lanka
Announcement of a new Telegram channel 'Sri Lanka: Law and Business', whose first post explains the topic of IIA.
Open source037
7 Feb 2025
Bar manager vacancy at Moments restaurant in Sri Lanka
Moments restaurant in Sri Lanka is looking for a bar manager with cocktail, coffee, and staff management experience; salary from $500 to $1,000+.
Open source038
1 Nov 2024
How to Go Bankrupt in Sri Lanka
The channel teases a piece about common mistakes and paths to bankruptcy in business in Sri Lanka.
Open source039
23 Oct 2024
Important Article for Those Running a Business on the Island
The editorial team recommends that islanders running a business in Sri Lanka read the Sunday Times article from March 3, 2024.
Open source040
12 Oct 2024
Restaurant Management Through the Eyes of Boris Zarkov
White Rabbit Family founder Boris Zarkov shares his view of modern management in a book excerpt published by Forbes.
Open source041
5 Oct 2024
Factory of Living Robots: personal digital twin service
Artem launched the Factory of Living Robots service with AI doubles trained by psychologists and animated by artists; an island tourist concierge bot is being discussed.
Open source042
16 Sept 2024
TON Day Party gathered over 50 participants in the off-season
TON Day Party in Sri Lanka attracted over 50 people; developers presented projects and entrepreneurs discussed applying the TON blockchain.
Open source043
7 Sept 2024
Bakery Muka evolved into a full restaurant
Bakery Muka closed not due to difficulties but because the owners earned enough to open a full cafe alongside SvamiMarket delivery.
Open source044
3 Sept 2024
Seeking bar manager and cook for new project
A new venue team is looking for a bar manager and cook for the season.
Open source045
25 Jul 2024
Manager and chef vacancies at Lolami Boutique, Mirissa
Lolami Boutique cafe in Mirissa is seeking a cafe manager, chef, and store manager with hospitality experience.
Open source046
14 Jul 2024
GOOD STORY seeks managers to work in Ahangama
Management company GOOD STORY is hiring managers for two Ahangama projects offering from $1000 salary plus visa and housing.
Open source047
23 Jun 2024
CeyCube Coworking Space in Colombo with Free Guest Day
CeyCube coworking space in central Colombo near Nikki on Park Street offers a free one-day pass for group members, especially welcoming Web 3.0 and FinTech developers.
Open source048
12 Jun 2024
Advertising Agency Seeks Specialists in Sri Lanka
A major advertising agency seeks contextual and targeted advertising managers in Sri Lanka, promising competitive pay and a future island office.
Open source049
28 Apr 2024
TON BBQ Report: Telegram Advertising and Grants
A detailed report on the TON BBQ held in Weligama: talks on Telegram advertising and TON grants up to $50,000, followed by barbecue and networking.
Open source050
18 Apr 2024
Recap of TON BBQ Sri Lanka Presentation
The Ostrov founder recaps his talk at TON BBQ — on Telegram advertising, TON's growth, and how the ecosystem evolves faster than users learn about its features.
Open source051
15 Apr 2024
TON BBQ: Event Programme and IT Opportunities
Detailed TON BBQ programme: talks on the TON ecosystem, Telegram advertising and grants up to $50,000 for developers, plus barbecue and networking.
Open source052
4 Feb 2024
Muttim team seeks client acquisition specialists
The Muttim mapping startup is looking for client acquisition specialists in Sri Lanka with English skills and preferably knowledge of Sinhala.
Open source053
29 Jan 2024
P.P.C. Collective and CAVA cafe release collaboration merch
Design project P.P.C. Collective and CAVA cafe have released a merch T-shirt: its owner receives a free drink at CAVA on every visit.
Open source054
27 Jan 2024
'Telegram for Leaders' workshop at First Faces
Artyom Kardash announces a Telegram for business workshop at the First Faces club, listing notable previous speakers at the event.
Open source055
26 Jan 2024
'First Faces' business club: workshops and networking
The 'First Faces' business club announces workshops on Telegram for business, finding clients, and other topics; meetings take place every Sunday.
Open source056
15 Jan 2024
'Vkus Ostrova' delivery service: test results
The Vkus Ostrova team reports on the successful testing of a bot-based food delivery service from Island restaurants, complete with a venue rating system.
Open source057
21 Dec 2023
Garage accelerator launches tourist map of the island
A team from the Garage accelerator registered a company and is launching a printed tourist map covering Unawatuna, Hikkaduwa, and Weligama.
Open source058
20 Dec 2023
Results of two days testing the island delivery bot
The team reports on delivery bot testing: few customer orders so far, but already 10 restaurant partners signed up and two repeat customers.
Open source059
13 Dec 2023
Art business on the island: why galleries won't take foreigners
Artist Anastasia Georgievskaya explains why local galleries don't take foreign artists and advises organizing independent exhibitions.
Open source060
13 Dec 2023
Questions for an artist: galleries, buyers, art supplies
An artist answers frequently asked questions: where to exhibit, who buys paintings, and where to find art supplies in Sri Lanka.
Open source061
10 Dec 2023
Island business: failure with a local supplier
The story continues: an attempt to buy curd from a local producer ends in price fraud and a dirty product.
Open source062
9 Dec 2023
Business experience: searching for a local curd supplier
Entrepreneurs recount their attempt to cut cottage cheese costs by sourcing curd from local producers, and the unexpected difficulties encountered.
Open source063
7 Nov 2023
Phrases for digital nomads: how to dodge a Zoom call
A collection of eight English phrases for digital nomads to cite technical difficulties and exit a video conference.
Open source064
8 Oct 2023
Lounge bar Grecha in Unawatuna is hiring
Lounge bar Grecha is opening a new location in Unawatuna and hiring waitstaff, bartenders, cooks, a hotel manager, and other roles.
Open source065
6 Oct 2023
'Telegram for Leaders' workshop — October 7
Details of the 'Telegram for Leaders' event: October 7 at Lady Hill Hotel, cost 3000–5000 LKR, free for community leaders.
Open source066
5 Oct 2023
Workshop 'Telegram for Leaders' on the island
Announcement of a Telegram training event for community leaders and entrepreneurs organised by the Ostrov channel.
Open source067
6 Sept 2023
Manager position opening at a new Mirissa project
A job posting for a manager at a new project opening in Mirissa, requiring good English, project management experience, and plans to stay until May 2024.
Open source068
15 Aug 2023
Broadcast announcement on business networking on the island
Thursday broadcast announcement with business expert Anton Sakhno on the value and development of business communities in Sri Lanka.
Open source069
10 Aug 2023
Resentment is a childish emotion incompatible with earning
Psychological essay: resentment is a child's position from which earning money is impossible; one must shift to an adult stance.
Open source070
31 Jul 2023
Broadcast Recording with Sergei Fokin on Island Business
Recording of a conversation with restaurateur Sergei Fokin on how he left the Eclipse restaurant in Russia and launched new projects in Sri Lanka — recommended for anyone with business ambitions.
Open source071
25 Jul 2023
Broadcast Announcement: Restaurateur Sergei Fokin
Announcement of a broadcast with Sergei Fokin — who launched KAYIO, UFO, and HUKKA on the Island — about how he did it and the story behind his 'Maybe tomorrow' tattoo.
Open source072
22 Jul 2023
Broadcast with Andrei Morozov of Grecha and Muka
Birthday of restaurateur Andrei Morozov: broadcast recording on how he opened venues on the Island, manages his team, and why he doesn't actually like buckwheat.
Open source073
18 Jul 2023
Broadcast Announcement: Opening a Lounge in 14 Days
Announcement of a live broadcast with Andrei Grecha about opening a lounge on a tourist street in two weeks and the cost of expanding a beach area.
Open source074
2 Jun 2023
What Is TON and Why You Need It on the Island
An explanation of the TON (The Open Network) cryptocurrency for island residents: how to transfer money via Telegram, convert to USDT, and use it in daily life.
Open source075
26 May 2023
Entrepreneurship Day and Business Meeting on the Island
Morning digest: weather, exchange rates, and an announcement of an upcoming island entrepreneurs' meetup to work through real business cases.
Open source076
6 Apr 2023
Handicraft and Business Workshops Gain Popularity on the Island
Expat women in Sri Lanka are launching workshops on making bags, jewellery, and accessories, also teaching Instagram sales and small business basics.
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