Sri Lanka serves up free meals for tourists stranded by Middle East flight chaos

Sri Lanka Tourism has organised a special luncheon and breakfast programme for foreign tourists who are currently staying in the country, due to the disruptions caused by the Middle East crisis. 

Many visitors have been unable to return home following the flight cancellations, airport closures and the suspension of several airline services in the region. As a result, a number of tourists have experienced unexpected delays in their travel plans, prompting the local authorities to step in with emergency hospitality measures.

In response to these unforeseen hardships, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management have collaborated to offer direct relief. 

The joint initiative provides essential support, including accommodation for stranded tourists residing in the Colombo area, alongside a newly launched meal programme hosted at the state-run hotel school.

Speaking at the inaugural luncheon, SLTDA and SLTPB Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam emphasised the country’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of its visitors during this difficult period. He noted that the tourism authorities are dedicated to providing the maximum possible support as a remedy for the inconveniences caused by the global situation. 

The targeted meal programme, which effectively functions as a daily brunch combining breakfast and lunch, is offered completely free of charge to those facing difficulties.

The authorities intend to sustain this service until the international airline operations return to normal and the affected travellers can safely secure their passage home. 

Hewawasam stressed that the ultimate goal is to arrange the necessary facilities, so that the tourists can spend their extended stay comfortably in Sri Lanka and eventually return to their home countries with a positive and lasting impression of the island’s hospitality.