Cyclone Ditwah has severely affected Sri Lanka’s peak tourism season, which runs from November to January, killing nearly 500 people and damaging homes, roads, and key infrastructure across the island.
Small operators like Herath Gedara Rohan Anil Kumara, who ran a three-bedroom homestay in Sri Lanka’s hill country, have been forced to cancel all bookings, losing vital income that supported their families.
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The disaster has hit nearly 10% of Sri Lanka’s 22 million population, destroying thousands of houses, damaging power lines, roads, and telecom networks, while agriculture losses further strain the economy already recovering from a 2022 crisis.
Despite the destruction, the Hotels Association of Sri Lanka reported low cancellations of about 1%, with most hotels operational. Tourists in affected areas like Kandy and Nuwara Eliya are reportedly safe, though access remains challenging due to blocked roads.
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Authorities have airlifted stranded visitors, waived fees for overstaying visas, and allowed free flight rescheduling. Social media campaigns and adjusted tour itineraries aim to reassure travellers and maintain the country’s tourism momentum.
Tourist arrivals had already crossed two million by mid-November, with the government targeting 2.6 million by year-end. Visitors from India, Russia, Germany, France, and the UK continue to arrive, highlighting resilience in Sri Lanka’s tourism sector