Shenelle Rodrigo has been appointed as Sri Lanka’s first Destination Correspondent by the globally renowned travel guide Lonely Planet.
Over the past decade, Rodrigo, together with her partner Shehaan Thahir, has documented Sri Lanka’s people, places, and untold stories through their platform Sheneller. Their work has played a key role in reshaping global perceptions of the island, particularly during times of crisis.
From the aftermath of the 2019 Sri Lanka Easter bombings to the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 economic crisis, Sheneller has consistently delivered real-time, on-the-ground insights to international audiences. Most recently, during the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, the platform served as a trusted source of information for travellers, helping maintain tourism confidence.
Through content reaching over three million global viewers, their efforts are estimated to have safeguarded around $800,000 in tourism revenue, according to a statement by the platform.
Rodrigo’s appointment marks a broader recognition of the importance of local storytellers in shaping Sri Lanka’s global narrative. Earlier this year, Sheneller also became the first content creator-led series to be featured on SriLankan Airlines in-flight entertainment.
In her new role, Rodrigo will focus on uncovering lesser-known stories across Sri Lanka, highlighting its culture, history, and cuisine while offering travellers a more immersive and authentic experience.
This collaboration represents a significant milestone, as an international travel authority partners directly with a Sri Lankan content creator, reflecting the growing influence of the local creator economy.
Looking ahead, Rodrigo and her team plan to expand their impact through Sheneller Ventures, which offers curated travel experiences, while also preparing to launch Holivate, a platform aimed at strengthening collaboration between hotels and content creators through performance-driven partnerships.
