Tourism in Sri Lanka Faces Setback After Cyclone, But Recovery Efforts are Now Underway

Published on November 30, 2025

Following the havoc wreaked by Cyclone Ditwah on the central regions of Sri Lanka, dozens of Indian tourists and other international were safely flown out of the country pursuant to the normalcy of international air travel movement. Given the extent of the damage and import of flooding, Sri Lankan authorities closed down the airports on the island which resulted in international flight delays. Despite the uncontrollable effects of nature and other challenges, the flights arranged by Sri Lanka and the India operated flights were coordinated as a result of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation to bring the tourists Sri Lanka safely.

Cyclone Ditwah’s Impact on Sri Lanka’s Infrastructure

Cyclone Ditwah wreaked havoc across Sri Lanka, causing nearly 200 deaths and severe flooding in many areas, particularly in the central region. The storm disrupted transportation networks, including air travel, which was hit hard as Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport faced operational paralysis. The inclement weather led to multiple flight diversions, cancellations, and significant delays, as ground staff could not reach the airport due to flooding.

This disruption created an urgent situation for foreign tourists, especially those who were stranded in Sri Lanka. The Indian government acted quickly to address the issue, setting up emergency measures to facilitate the safe return of affected Indian nationals.

Indian Air Force and Airlines Assist Stranded Tourists

In a collaborative effort to bring stranded Indian nationals back home, the Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed two aircraft to fly over 320 passengers from Colombo to Hindon, near Delhi, and to Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday. This move was part of the ongoing repatriation process that saw many stranded individuals finally make their way home.

In addition to the IAF flights, commercial carriers like Air India also played a significant role in the repatriation effort. A total of 398 passengers were flown back to Delhi and Mumbai on scheduled Air India flights, providing an additional option for travelers. While IndiGo confirmed that its flights to Colombo were operating as scheduled, SriLankan Airlines indicated that its flight operations would return to normal by Sunday midnight.

Indian High Commission Takes Immediate Action

The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka quickly set up an emergency help desk at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport to assist affected travelers. The help desk offered vital support, ensuring that passengers were able to navigate the chaotic situation and facilitating their return as soon as possible. The Indian High Commission also used social media to communicate updates and reassure stranded tourists, ensuring they would reach home as quickly as possible.

According to a post from the Indian High Commission on X (formerly Twitter), “Every stranded Indian will reach home at the earliest.” This initiative was a testament to the swift response and strong collaboration between the Indian government and Sri Lankan authorities in the aftermath of the cyclone.

Impact on Sri Lanka’s Tourism Industry

Sri Lanka has long been a popular destination for Indian travelers, with the largest group of foreign visitors hailing from India. Last year, approximately 416,000 Indians visited Sri Lanka, and the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) was anticipating that number to rise above 500,000 in 2025. However, the cyclone has created a temporary setback in these growth projections, with some travelers opting to reconsider their trips in light of the disruption.

In response to this challenge, local travel firms have stepped up to offer alternative options for affected tourists, including refunds or holiday packages in other Southeast Asian destinations. This flexibility is an effort to mitigate the negative impact of the storm on bookings and maintain customer satisfaction.

Sri Lanka Tourism Takes Proactive Measures to Support Affected Tourists

Despite the difficulties caused by Cyclone Ditwah, Sri Lanka’s tourism authorities have assured visitors that the majority of the country’s key tourist destinations remain unaffected by the storm. The SLTDA emphasized that emergency measures are in place to protect tourists, particularly those staying in regions that have experienced flooding.

The SLTDA also announced that it would extend visas for affected tourists free of charge, providing a much-needed reprieve for those whose travel plans had been disrupted. In addition, many hotels in areas such as Kandy and Colombo are offering extended stays for guests who requested more time due to the uncertainty surrounding their return travel. One executive from a five-star hotel in Colombo noted that cancellation charges have been waived for the time being, ensuring that tourists who were impacted by the storm are treated with flexibility and care.

The Resilience of Sri Lanka’s Tourism Sector

As the country works to recover from the immediate aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is beginning to show signs of resilience. While the cyclone has created short-term challenges, the SLTDA and local businesses are committed to restoring confidence in the country as a tourist destination. With most tourist sites remaining open and accessible, the country is focused on maintaining its reputation as a top destination for travelers, particularly those from neighboring countries like India.

Looking Ahead: Recovery and Growth for Sri Lanka’s Tourism

As normalcy returns to international travel, Sri Lanka’s tourism industry will be further strengthened by the remarkable resilience of the local populace, as well as the ever-increasing curiosity of overseas visitors seeking to experience the country’s breathtaking scenery, historical sites, and cultural diversity.