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In a proud moment for Sri Lanka’s creative community, Shenelle Rodrigo has been selected as one of just 25 global travel correspondents by Lonely Planet, marking a major milestone in her nine-year journey in travel storytelling.
Reflecting on the achievement, Rodrigo shared that this recognition once felt beyond her imagination. Her journey, she says, is proof that persistence, belief, and a commitment to meaningful work can open unexpected doors.
On the Lonely Planet platform, Rodrigo introduces herself as a storyteller who blends film, research, and immersive experiences to showcase the depth, beauty, and complexity of Sri Lanka. Her work focuses on reshaping global perceptions, amplifying local voices, and encouraging deeper conversations around culture, heritage, and sustainable tourism. For Rodrigo, travel is not about consumption—but about understanding.
The Lonely Planet Correspondent Network brings together creators from across more than 20 destinations, offering authentic, on-the-ground insights to global travellers. As part of the 2026 founding cohort, Rodrigo joins a new wave of storytellers trained in the brand’s long-standing editorial standards, with a mission to deliver meaningful travel experiences without gatekeeping.
Over the past decade, Rodrigo, alongside her partner Shehaan Thahir, has built the platform Sheneller into a powerful voice for Sri Lanka’s untold stories. Through compelling digital content, they have documented the country’s people, places, and evolving identity—particularly during times of crisis.
From the aftermath of the Easter Sunday bombings to the global COVID-19 pandemic and the Sri Lankan economic crisis, Sheneller consistently delivered real-time, on-the-ground insights that brought clarity to international audiences. Most recently, during the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, the platform became a trusted source for travellers, sharing accurate updates and addressing concerns.
With content reaching over three million international viewers, Sheneller’s efforts have not only shaped perception but also delivered tangible impact—helping safeguard tourism confidence and protecting an estimated USD 800,000 in tourism revenue.
Rodrigo’s appointment signals a broader shift in global storytelling—recognising the importance of local voices in shaping national narratives. Earlier this year, Sheneller reached another milestone by becoming the first content creator-led series to be featured on SriLankan Airlines’ in-flight entertainment system.
Together, these achievements highlight the growing influence of authentic, locally driven storytelling in redefining how Sri Lanka is seen on the world stage. By offering nuanced, ground-level perspectives, creators like Rodrigo are actively countering misinformation and presenting a more human, balanced view of the country.
In her new role with Lonely Planet, Rodrigo will focus on uncovering lesser-known stories across Sri Lanka—exploring its culture, history, and cuisine beyond traditional travel narratives. Her work aims to give travellers a richer, more immersive understanding of the destination.
This collaboration also marks a notable first—an international travel authority partnering directly with a Sri Lankan content creator in this capacity—underscoring the rising power of the local creator economy to engage global audiences at scale.
Looking ahead, Rodrigo and her team are expanding their impact through Sheneller Ventures, a travel company offering curated, experience-driven journeys across Sri Lanka. At the same time, they are preparing to launch Holivate, an innovative platform designed to connect hotels and content creators through performance-driven partnerships based on real booking conversions.
As Sri Lanka continues to evolve as a destination, storytellers like Shenelle Rodrigo are ensuring that its narrative is not only heard—but understood.
