Today, on 9 May 2026, the LankaConnect platform officially opens in its first experimental version during the Sri Lankan New Year Festival in Bir al-Maksur, near Haifa.

The platform is currently launching for one special purpose:

To upload and share official festival photos and videos so participants can easily view, enjoy and relive the celebrations online.

Throughout the festival, photographers and video teams are documenting performances, family moments, community gatherings, cultural shows and unforgettable memories from the event.

The media will gradually be uploaded to the LankaConnect website so the Sri Lankan community across Israel can access and share the content after the festival.

But today’s launch is only the beginning.

The Future Digital Home of Sri Lankans in Israel

The LankaConnect team announced that the website will officially launch in full very soon, with the goal of becoming the central digital home for the Sri Lankan community in Israel.

The platform is being built especially for Sri Lankan foreign workers and families living across Israel, with a strong focus on community support, information, communication and daily life.

According to the development team, LankaConnect will provide extensive information about:

• Foreign worker rights in Israel
• Legal updates and important regulations
• Israeli news and community updates
• Safety alerts and practical information
• Life guidance for Sri Lankans living in Israel

The goal is to create one trusted place where Sri Lankans can stay informed, protected and connected.

WhatsApp Communities and a Safe Digital Space

One of the main features of LankaConnect will be direct integration with community WhatsApp groups managed by the LankaConnect team.

These groups are expected to create a safer and more organized digital environment for Sri Lankans in Israel to communicate, share information and participate in community life.

The project will include:

• Community discussion groups
• Hobby and interest groups
• Hebrew language learning groups
• Event and activity groups
• Support and guidance communities

Organizers say the vision is not only to build a website, but to create a complete digital ecosystem for Sri Lankans living in Israel.

Hebrew Learning Courses Adapted for Workers

LankaConnect also plans to launch a special Hebrew language learning section designed specifically for Sri Lankan workers.

The courses are expected to focus on practical Hebrew used in daily work and life in Israel, including vocabulary adapted to different professions and workplaces.

The project aims to help workers improve communication, confidence and integration into Israeli society.

Events, Photos and Community Memories

The platform’s Events section is expected to become one of the largest digital archives of Sri Lankan community life in Israel.

Future plans include:

• Photo galleries from community events
• Video libraries from festivals and celebrations
• Community event calendars
• Party and gathering announcements
• Cultural activity updates

Every future Sri Lankan community event in Israel is expected to become part of the LankaConnect digital archive.

Marketplace and Community Services

LankaConnect also plans to introduce a marketplace system adapted specifically to the needs of foreign workers in Israel.

The platform is expected to include:

• Job listings
• Apartments for rent adapted to foreign workers
• Ride-sharing boards
• Currency exchange rates
• Community business advertisements
• Service directories

The goal is to simplify everyday life and create a trusted community-based platform for practical needs.

Chef Suranga’s Corner

One unique section planned for the website is “Chef Suranga’s Corner.”

Visitors will be able to enjoy recipes, food content and culinary experiences featuring both Sri Lankan and Israeli dishes.

The section is expected to include traditional foods, cooking ideas and cultural food experiences connected to the Sri Lankan community.

Cricket, Community and Culture

The LankaConnect team also announced future entertainment and sports features, including cricket-related content for the large Sri Lankan cricket community in Israel.

Additional community features and digital services are expected to be added gradually after the official launch.

Built for the Community — Free for the Community

According to the LankaConnect team, the entire project is being dedicated freely to the Sri Lankan community in Israel.

The vision behind the platform is simple but ambitious:

To build a true digital home for every Sri Lankan worker and family living in Israel.

At the moment, the website is operating in an experimental version and additional features are still under development.

The official full launch is expected soon.

For now, festival participants are invited to explore the website, enjoy the uploaded photos and videos and become part of the growing LankaConnect community.

Today marks not only the celebration of a New Year.

It marks the beginning of a new digital future for the Sri Lankan community in Israel.