Return to Sri Lanka

By: Razeen Sally

Narrated by: Razeen Sally

'Sally's book is an exemplar of the best in the genre' Krishnan Srinivasan, The Statesman

A blend of travel writing, memoir, history and current affairs that tells the story of Sri Lanka. A perfect read for first-time visitors, Sri Lankans abroad or at home, or anyone looking to deepen their understanding of one of the world’s most fascinating and paradoxical countries.

Razeen Sally was born to a Sri Lankan Muslim father and a Welsh mother. Just before his teens, a political conflict tore his family apart and he left Sri Lanka, barely going back for thirty years.

When he finally returned ‘home’, he spent much of the next decade crisscrossing the island, trying to understand this paradoxical place. Blessed with nature’s bounty and an easy, pleasure-loving people, it was nevertheless scarred by ethnic conflict and the violence of civil war.

As a native and a tourist, Sally makes an ideal guide to Sri Lanka’s past and present. He won’t tell you which restaurant has the best reviews or the price of a hotel room. Instead, he will accompany you like a learned friend, sharing his journeys, pointing out the unmissable gems beyond the obvious spots, and unpacking the nation’s culture and history. Insightful, intimate and moving, Return to Sri Lanka is an indispensable book, whether you're already familiar with this spectacular country, or planning your first visit.

Critic reviews

‘Insightful’

‘Comprehensive’

‘Vivid’

‘A dazzling travelogue about a country that refuses to be at peace with itself . . . It was hard to put the book down’

‘A modern-day vagabond walking the less travelled paths of Sri Lanka’ (Captain Elmo Jayawardena)

‘A mine of information about Sri Lanka, its people and politics from someone with considerable knowledge and expertise’ (Frank Beyer)

‘Sally’s book is an exemplar of the best in the genre’ (Krishnan Srinivasan )

‘This highly readable book captures the spirit of a nation’ (Gurcharan Das, author of India Unbound)

Made Me Miss Home in the Best Way

Return to Sri Lanka is one of the most moving books I’ve read recently. As a Sri Lankan living abroad, it made me deeply homesick—in the best way. Razeen Sally brings a unique perspective, exploring the island with curiosity, and love. Highly recommend!!