Deputy Minister confirms tourism sector returns to normalcy

Asserts major attractions open, transport links restored, no significant incidents reported involving foreign visitors Clarifies emergency declaration was to mobilise aid and not due to escalation Reiterates Sri Lanka is ready to welcome visitors

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TOURISM Deputy Minister Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe yesterday confirmed Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is “fully back to normal” following last week’s severe weather, with major attractions open, transport links restored and no significant incidents reported involving foreign visitors.

Speaking after returning from inspections in Badulla and other affected districts, Prof. Ranasinghe said Cyclone Ditwah, the strongest storm to impact Sri Lanka in nearly two decades, caused serious flooding, power outages, and disruptions to telecommunications and water supply in several regions.

However, he asserted that recovery efforts had been swift. According to him, all major Class A and B roads in the affected areas, including routes linking Colombo-Nuwara Eliya, Badulla-Mahiyanganaya and other upcountry networks, have now been cleared. Only a few minor internal roads remain partially obstructed.