Sri Lanka tourism declares ‘open for business’ with aggressive marketing push post-cyclone

Tourism Deputy Minister Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe (left) and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam addressing the media - Pic by Pradeep Pathirana

By Nishel Fernando

Sri Lanka’s tourism authorities and private sector stakeholders have issued a unified message that the island remains fully open for travel, launching a coordinated strategy to counter negative perceptions following the recent adverse weather conditions caused by Cyclone Ditwah. 

During a special press briefing held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism in Colombo yesterday, industry leaders confirmed that despite localised infrastructure damage, all major tourist zones are operational, and the country is safe for visitors. 

To communicate this resilience to the world, the government has officially launched the “Sri Lanka is Ready” social media campaign, which will be complemented by a targeted public relations strategy across key source markets for the next two to three months.

Tourism Deputy Minister Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe addressed the media, noting that while the cyclone was a rare occurrence for the island, the recovery has been swift. He emphasised that the government declared a state of emergency specifically to mobilise resources and funding efficiently to affected communities, rather than due to a breakdown in civil order. 

He highlighted that while the disaster affected specific districts, major tourist attractions including Yala, Sigiriya and the Cultural Triangle remain fully accessible. 

The Minister stressed that the immediate priority of the government is to ensure the tourism sector functions without disruption, as it serves as a critical economic pillar necessary for generating the revenue required to rebuild damaged homes and schools in the affected regions.

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam sternly advised against the propagation of unverified information, confirming that there were zero tourist casualties during the cyclone. 

He detailed that authorities successfully airlifted and relocated approximately 300 tourists who were stranded due to road blockages, ensuring their safety and the continuity of their holidays.

Representing the private sector, the Presidents of The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) and the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) Asoka Hettigoda and Nalin Jayasundera confirmed that accommodation providers are fully operational, including in hard-hit upcountry areas such as Nuwara Eliya. 

While acknowledging that the railway track in the hill country has suffered damage and will require time for repairs, stakeholders noted that alternative road access routes have been secured to ensure connectivity.