Sri Lanka Declares State of Emergency as Cyclone Ditwah Disrupts Tourism and Infrastructure

Published on December 1, 2025

Cyclone Ditwah was the most destructive weather system to pass over the island and prompted the government to declare a state of emergency due to the loss of lives and widespread KyO damage to public facilities, tourist sites, home, and the hillside cities of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya. The country is still in the cyclone’s aftermath; the lives of the people in the country are still disrupted due to the damage. While the days flooding rains have stopped, there is still plenty of rain and disruption to the people’s lives in the country.

The government statement of emergency was issued as Sri Lanka is still unable to alleviate the humanitarian and economic loss to the region and to the foreign tourism of the region. Sri Lanka’s government is seeking humanitarian foreign and diaspora Sri Lankan financial support, donations, and soliciting offers of assistance to jumpstart the country’s cyclone Ditwah recovery effort.

Cyclone Ditwah’s Impact on Tourism

Tourism, a crucial part of Sri Lanka’s economy, has taken a severe hit due to the cyclone. Popular tourist destinations, including Kandy, which is known for its scenic beauty and cultural significance, have been severely affected. Kandy Lake, one of the city’s landmarks, has been impacted by the heavy rain and flooding. In Nuwara Eliya, a town known for its cool climate and tea plantations, the cyclone has caused significant damage, leading to disruptions in travel plans.

Many tourists visiting Sri Lanka during this time have been stranded in affected areas. Reports from local news outlets confirmed that Foreign Independent Travelers (FITs) were safely relocated to safer zones by rescue teams composed of armed forces, police, and emergency rescue personnel. However, the severe disruption in mobile communication in many regions has hampered coordination efforts, further complicating rescue operations.

A travel company executive shared his frustration with TTG Asia on Saturday, mentioning his difficulty in contacting a group of tourists he had organized. This highlights the communication challenges faced by both local businesses and travelers alike in the wake of the storm.

Cancellation and Rescheduling of Travel Plans

As the cyclone wreaked havoc, incoming tourists found themselves anxious for updates on the situation. Many turned to social media to keep up with the latest information, helping them decide whether to proceed with their travel plans or postpone their trips. Hotel owners in the affected areas reported a spike in cancellations as travelers opted to delay their vacations until the situation improved.

In Kandy, a flooded hill town, the general manager of a hotel reported that several bookings had been canceled, and travel plans had been postponed due to the unpredictable weather conditions. Nishad Wijetunga, managing director of Wayfarers and former president of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Operators, noted that while destination management companies (DMCs) did not face cancellations, they had to rearrange itineraries as many national parks and tourist sites were temporarily closed.

Wijetunga mentioned that they had to reschedule many itineraries, but added that some groups were still arriving as scheduled that day.

Criticism of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority’s (SLTDA) Response

Tourism industry players have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the response of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), which oversees the country’s tourism sector. On November 29, SLTDA issued a statement declaring that it was safe to travel to Sri Lanka. The statement, however, failed to account for the extent of the destruction and disruptions caused by Cyclone Ditwah. The statement notably did not address the closure of national parks and tourist sites, leading to frustration within the tourism sector.

An executive from a local travel agency expressed frustration over the SLTDA’s initial response, stating that the authority had claimed everything was fine when, in reality, parks and tourist sites were closed, forcing them to urgently rearrange their clients’ travel plans.

In response to mounting criticism, SLTDA followed up on November 30, acknowledging the impact of the cyclone and stating that teams were operating around the clock to assist affected tourists and industry stakeholders. The authority also urged tourists to remain vigilant and stay updated on weather conditions, advising that travelers strictly follow government guidelines.

Flight Cancellations and Airport Disruptions

Cyclone Ditwah has also caused significant disruption to air travel. SriLankan Airlines has canceled several flights since November 28, with some incoming flights being rerouted to airports in South India. Affected tourists have been offered free visa extensions, full waivers on flight cancellation and date-change fees, and flexibility in rebooking at hotels.

The disruptions in flight schedules have further complicated the travel situation, with many tourists stranded at the airport or waiting for updates on rescheduled flights. Passengers are advised to check with SriLankan Airlines for the latest information on cancellations and rerouted flights.

Table: Cyclone Ditwah Impact on Tourism and Travel

Government Assistance and Future Plans

In the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, the Sri Lankan government, alongside local rescue teams, is working to restore normalcy. The Sri Lanka Disaster Management Center (DMC) is coordinating relief efforts and is expected to continue providing aid to both residents and tourists affected by the storm. The government is also actively appealing for financial assistance from foreign governments and the Sri Lankan diaspora to support ongoing relief efforts.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) continues to update tourists and industry stakeholders on the situation, urging travelers to exercise caution and stay informed about weather developments.

A Nation in Recovery

As Sri Lanka begins its recovery from the devastating effects of Cyclone Ditwah, the tourism sector faces a challenging road ahead. While the immediate impact has been felt across Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and other popular destinations, the government and local businesses are committed to restoring services and reassuring international tourists. With the continued support of aid organizations, Sri Lanka aims to bounce back from the storm, ensuring that its beloved tourist sites will soon welcome visitors once more.

For the latest updates on travel disruptions and recovery efforts, tourists and locals are encouraged to follow official government sources, such as the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and the Sri Lanka Disaster Management Center (DMC) websites.