Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is emerging strongly from recent severe weather, signalling that the island remains safe and ready to welcome New Zealand travellers.
Most wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and heritage sites are fully operational. Bundala, Udawalawa, Kumana, Horton Plains and Yala are open, with access via Palatupana and Lunugamwehera gates. Wilpattu, Minneriya and Kawudulla national parks are admitting visitors, and Wasgamuwa is expected to reopen soon. Marine activities, including whale watching off Mirissa and visits to Pigeon Island, Kalpitiya and Hikkaduwa coral park, are running. All forest reserves apart from Knuckles are accessible, and every cultural site and museum under the Central Cultural Fund is open.
Positive trading conditions
Tourism zones are reporting sunny weather, calm seas and strong hotel occupancy in coastal and inland destinations such as Negombo, Kalutara, Passikudah, Hikkaduwa, Bentota/Beruwela, Ella and Arugam Bay. Electricity supply is stable, roads have been cleared and Ella is again reachable via Wellawaya. Major highways linking Colombo to Kurunegala, Kandy and Anuradhapura, along with routes from Kitulgala to Hatton/Nuwara Eliya and Ella to Wellawaya, are open. The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority reports that 289 foreign guests were affected during the weather event as of 4 December, suggesting a limited impact on international visitors.
Cruise arrivals showcase resilience
Sri Lanka’s ability to handle large volumes of tourists is highlighted by back‑to‑back cruise arrivals. Celebrity Millennium visited Colombo and Hambantota during a regional voyage from Mumbai to Singapore. TUI Cruises with more than 2,300 passengers; over 1,600 joined excursions across the island and praised Sri Lanka’s hospitality. Successfully accommodating two major cruise ships within a week underscores confidence in the nation’s tourism infrastructure.
Institutional recovery and community messaging
Authorities report that most national parks and sanctuaries have reopened, while all cultural sites and museums continue operations. Although the Disaster Management Centre notes more than 1.15 million people were affected nationwide, recovery efforts have stabilised utilities, transport and community services. Sri Lanka Tourism has launched a nationwide social‑media campaign, with hotels and operators sharing real‑time updates and guest stories to emphasise that unaffected areas, particularly in the south, are vibrant and safe.
Reassuring the trade
Acknowledging that false and negative reports have circulated internationally, Sri Lanka Tourism sees this as an opportunity to rebuild stronger, by promoting unaffected regions and resilient communities. The tourism authority is appealing to he travel trade to share stories of recovery, re-openings and positive visitor experiences to reassure travellers and reinforce confidence.