Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has issued an update confirming that the island remains open, safe, and operational for travellers, as recovery efforts advance steadily following Tropical Cyclone Ditwah. While the cyclone brought severe yet highly localised impacts to parts of the country on 28 November, many parts of the country including all major tourism hubs continues to welcome visitors without disruption.
The nation is grieving the lives and homes lost in the affected districts, but the spirit of resilience has been immediate and unwavering. Relief and restoration efforts are progressing rapidly, supported by government authorities, local communities, and private-sector partners across the tourism industry.
As Sri Lanka continues its recovery with remarkable speed and unity, travellers are encouraged not to rush into cancellations. The tourism sector remains committed to providing factual, transparent updates, enabling visitors to make informed decisions.
According to the latest update from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), island-wide tourism operations remain stable. Hotels, resorts, tour operators, and travel services across the west, south, cultural heartland, and much of the east are functioning as normal, with guests continuing their itineraries uninterrupted.
Sri Lanka’s major coastal destinations including the west and south coasts and most of the east were not impacted by the cyclone and continue to experience strong visitor activity.
Wildlife Parks, Cultural Sites & Nature Experiences
All key national parks remain open, including Yala (Blocks 1, 5 & 6), Udawalawe, Bundala, Kumana, and Horton Plains.Cultural Triangle landmarks Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, and Anuradhapura are fully accessible.
Forest Department sites are open with the exception of the Knuckles region, which is undergoing a routine safety review. Additional parks such as Wilpattu, Minneriya, Kaudulla, and Wasgamuwa are expected to reopen shortly pending clearance.
Hill Country Access
Ella and Haputale are reachable through the South Coast / Udawalawe route.
Hatton is accessible via the Cultural Triangle and Kandy.
Progress continues daily in Nuwara Eliya and sections of the Central Highlands.
Travellers are encouraged to reconfirm accessibility with their accommodation provider and refer to www.tourismalliance.lk for the latest updates.
Road Access
All major road networks leading to key destinations are now open. At least one primary access route to every tourism zone is fully functional. Key open routes include:
- Colombo – Kurunegala
- Colombo – Katugastota (towards Kandy)
- Kurunegala – Padeniya (towards Anuradhapura)
- Kitulgala – Hatton / Nuwara Eliya
- Ella – Wellawaya
Rail Services
- Coastal Line – Fully operational.
- Main Line – Services currently operating between Colombo–Mirigama and Colombo–Abepussa.
Air Travel
All international flights to and from Colombo are operating normally. Cinnamon Air services to the Central Highlands continue unaffected.
Weather Normalising Across the Island
Tourism regions across the island are reporting stable conditions, strong occupancy, and smooth operations:
- Negombo – Sunny weather, calm seas, strong occupancy, stable power supply.
- Kalutara – Normal conditions with strong hotel occupancy.
- Passikudah – Sunny, calm seas, all beachfront resorts fully operational.
- Hikkaduwa – Sunny weather and steady occupancy.
- Bentota / Beruwela – Hotels reporting strong occupancy; operations fully normal.
- Ella – Conditions stable; access via Wellawaya is fully open.
- Arugam Bay – Sunny weather and normal functioning across the area.
Fuel & Electricity Status
Fuel distribution across tourism regions is stable and operating on schedule, with the exception of minor delays in the Kaduwela area.
Power supply has been restored across nearly all major cities, with only a few isolated pockets undergoing final-stage repairs.
Sri Lanka is balancing sorrow with resilience, and the tourism sector is urging travellers to stay informed through verified updates before making decisions about their trips. The industry emphasises that there is no need to cancel travel plans prematurely, especially as the island prepares for its peak season with most regions fully operational.
For travellers seeking meaningful, responsible, and enriching experiences, this is an ideal moment to visit. Tourism plays a vital role in supporting local communities, and visitor arrivals contribute directly to the country’s recovery and livelihood rebuilding.
Sri Lanka remains one of the world’s most captivating destinations — and today, your visit matters more than ever.
Information compiled from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Department of Wildlife Conservation, Forest Department, Central Cultural Fund, Road Development Authority, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, and Ceylon Electricity Board.
