Sri Lanka Now Ready to Welcome Tourists Back After Recent Flooding, Briefing Confirms

Published on December 23, 2025

In a move that was meant to pacify travel experts and media houses in Singapore, the government of Sri Lanka was involved in a thorough briefing process regarding the status of the country’s tourism industry that was affected by the floods that had happened recently. The event was scheduled to happen on the 17th of December, 2025, at the Sri Lanka High Commission of Singapore.

With more Singaporeans traveling to Sri Lanka to enjoy the attractions of culture, heritage, health, nature, and adventure, the event highlighted the country’s readiness to open tourism activities while prioritizing safety, connectivity, and accessibility.

A Hybrid Briefing to Reassure Key Stakeholders

The Post-Flood Travel and Tourism Briefing Session was organized by the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Singapore in partnership with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB). The goal was to update key stakeholders in Singapore, including travel agents, tourism industry professionals, and media representatives, on the latest developments in Sri Lanka’s tourism infrastructure and services post-flood.

This hybrid event allowed for both in-person and virtual participation, ensuring a wider reach to the relevant travel, trade, and media stakeholders. While the session was conducted at the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Singapore, officials from the SLTPB, SriLankan Airlines, and other key travel bodies participated virtually, allowing for a comprehensive update that addressed various aspects of Sri Lanka’s tourism readiness.

Sri Lanka’s Importance as a Key Travel Destination for Singaporeans

High Commissioner Senarath Dissanayake opened the briefing by acknowledging the strong ties between Singapore and Sri Lanka, particularly in terms of tourism. He highlighted that Singapore continues to be one of Sri Lanka’s most important source markets for visitors in Southeast Asia.

Despite recent challenges posed by adverse weather conditions, Sri Lanka has maintained its appeal to Singaporean travelers, who are drawn to the island nation’s vibrant culture, rich history, diverse wildlife, and picturesque landscapes. From wellness retreats and beach resorts to adventurous hikes in the mountains and cultural excursions to ancient ruins, Sri Lanka offers a wide range of tourism experiences.

Dissanayake reassured stakeholders that tourism activities, although temporarily impacted by the floods, are expected to quickly return to pre-flood levels. He emphasized that Sri Lanka remains a safe and welcoming destination for international travelers, with strong efforts being made to rebuild affected areas and restore normalcy as swiftly as possible.

SLTPB Reaffirms Commitment to Safety and Connectivity

Buddhika Hewawasam, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, took the opportunity to address concerns raised by participants regarding the safety and accessibility of tourist regions. He emphasized that despite the floods, the majority of Sri Lanka’s key tourist destinations, including popular regions such as Colombo, Kandy, Galle, and Nuwara Eliya, remain fully operational. All international gateways, including Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, have not been affected by the floods, ensuring that air connectivity remains uninterrupted.

Hewawasam further reassured stakeholders that safety protocols have been implemented across the country’s tourism infrastructure. These include maintaining the availability of accommodation, ensuring that tourist services are up to international standards, and providing robust transport connectivity, both in terms of air and ground transport.

Tourist Facilities and Accommodation Remain Operational

Following the presentation by Hewawasam, Chinthaka Liyanaarachchi, Deputy Director – Marketing at SLTPB, provided a detailed update on the post-flood conditions. Liyanaarachchi offered a comprehensive breakdown of the regions that had been most affected by the floods and highlighted which tourist facilities remained unaffected.

Despite some temporary disruptions in specific areas, the vast majority of hotels, resorts, and guesthouses in popular tourist destinations are fully operational. Furthermore, Liyanaarachchi confirmed that Sri Lanka’s famed hospitality industry has been quick to adapt, with many facilities offering special packages and promotions to encourage the return of tourists.

Additionally, key transportation networks, including roads and rail services, have been largely restored, ensuring that travelers can easily access destinations across the island. For travelers heading to remote areas, SLTPB has worked closely with local authorities to ensure that road infrastructure is safe and accessible, making it easy for tourists to explore Sri Lanka’s natural beauty.

Safety Measures and Protocols for Tourists

Safety remains a top priority for Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, especially in the wake of natural disasters. Liyanaarachchi provided a detailed explanation of the safety measures in place to protect tourists, both from weather-related risks and other potential hazards. These measures include early warning systems, real-time updates on weather conditions, and support from local tourism agencies to guide visitors in navigating potentially impacted areas.

To further enhance the visitor experience, the SLTPB has also introduced additional training for local guides and tour operators, ensuring that they are equipped with the knowledge to handle any emergency situations that may arise. The focus on safety extends to providing tourists with up-to-date information regarding the best routes to take and which areas to avoid, ensuring a smooth and worry-free visit.

Interactive Session: Engaging Stakeholders and Addressing Concerns

An interactive question-and-answer session followed the presentations, allowing participants to engage directly with Sri Lankan tourism officials. The session, facilitated by Minister and Head of Chancery Ahamed Razee and Minister Counsellor (Commercial) Bhagya Abeykoon, gave travel agents and media representatives an opportunity to ask specific questions about the state of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry and the safety of travelers in the post-flood period.

The lively discussion touched on topics such as the ongoing recovery efforts, the availability of eco-tourism and wellness options, and how Sri Lanka plans to boost its tourism offerings in the future. This session allowed Sri Lanka’s tourism authorities to directly address any concerns from stakeholders, reinforcing the country’s commitment to maintaining a high level of service and ensuring that tourists feel secure while exploring the island.

Sri Lankan Cuisine: A Taste of the Island’s Culture

To close the event, the High Commission hosted a selection of Sri Lankan cuisine, allowing attendees to experience the rich flavors of the island firsthand. Dishes such as hoppers, kottu, and various curries provided a taste of Sri Lanka’s diverse culinary heritage, further emphasizing the country’s appeal to Singaporean travelers.

Sri Lanka Remains a Welcoming Destination

The tourism readiness presentation after the flooding experience in Singapore was an integral move toward making stakeholders aware and assured of the future of the tourism industry of the country in question. In spite of the hurdles caused by the flooding experience, Sri Lanka is committed to its role as a safe, interesting, and diverse destination for foreigners who wish to visit the nation, taking advantage of its culture, adventure, and natural resources once again. Having the necessary infrastructure, safety standards, and the tourism industry operating effectively, the country is poised to regain its place as a destination of choice by the desired tourists.