Middle East war leaves Ella tourism zone dry

More than 15,000 people, who depended on tourism have been affected 

By Palitha Ariyawansa

Ella Tourism Zone has been hit owing to the Middle East military conflict, much to the anxiety of thousands of people, who depended on the income from providing services to the foreign tourists.   

They said that Ella, a main tourist destination in the country, which experiences a heavy influx of tourists during the tourism season, has turned a ghost town in recent times sans tourists.   

This has been a severe blow on tourist hotels, lodges, restaurants, and thousands of people including drivers and tour guides catering to Western tourists. 

They pointed out that more than 15,000 people, who depended on tourism have been affected.  

Meanwhile, the breakdown of the train service also has a direct impact on tourist arrivals.