Sri Lanka is Returning to Normalcy After Adverse Weather, Tourism Attractions and Hotels Reopened

Sri Lanka Tourism issued the following updates at a press conference held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism in Colombo. Tourism Deputy Minister Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe presided the meeting associated with top officials of the tourism industry.

The deputy minister noted that although Sri Lanka faced challenges due to adverse weather, bur the country is steadily returning to normal. He said tourism attractions and hotels are reopened, reaffirming resilience and readiness to welcome visitors.

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam said the following major tourism attractions are open. Wildlife: Bundala, Udawalawa, Horton Plains, and Yala. Mirissa whale watching, Pigeon Island, Kalpitiya, Hikkaduwa Coral Park are open. National Parks; Wilpaththuwa, Minneriya, Kawudulla, Wasgamuwa are to be opened soon. All forests are open except Knuckles and all Cultural Sites and Museums under the Central Cultural Fund are open.

Asoka Hettigoda President of The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL), noted that tourism zones report sunny weather, calm seas and strong hotel occupancy in Negambo, Kalutara, Passikudah, Hikkaduwa, Benthota, Ella, and Arugambay. He said the electricity supply is stable, roads are cleared and Ella is accessible via Wellawaya while coastal resorts are operated in full capacity.

Sri Lanka’s resilience is powerfully demonstrated by the back to back arrivals of luxury cruise liners in Colombo and Hambanthota. The Celebrity Millenium called at both ports bringing tourists. Aitken Spence Travels handled the arrival of the luxury cruise ship Mein Schiff 6, operated by TUI docked at the Ports of Colombo and Hambantota this week just after the storm (December 2) with over 3,000 passengers.

According to Nalin Jayasundera, Managing Director of Aitken Spence Travels, the company has a consistent line-up of cruise calls scheduled. The pending cruises expected in Colombo (and other Sri Lankan ports) and typically handled by Aitken Spence include; Azamara Pursuit: Expected on December 7 and departing on December 8. Oceania Sirena is expected on December 19, Seven Seas Navigator on 24th. “Our efforts are focused on attracting more tourists and promoting Sri Lanka as a destination especially at this situation” said Jayasundera.

Sri Lanka Tourism also appreciated for the support rendered by local and international media at this moment. Claude Gunasekera