A devastating cyclone has struck a severe blow to Sri Lanka's crucial tourism industry during its busiest period, with local communities counting the cost of deadly floods. Cyclone Ditwah caused catastrophic flooding last week, claiming nearly 500 lives and leaving a trail of destruction across the island's picturesque hill country.
Small Businesses Bear the Brunt of Destruction
The storm has devastated the livelihoods of small operators who form the backbone of the nation's tourism economy. Among them is 37-year-old Herath Gedara Rohan Anil Kumara, whose three-bedroom homestay, a vital source of income for his family of six, now lies damaged.
Kumara, who typically earned over $30 a night, has been forced to cancel all bookings for December and January. He now resides with his family in the Kithulbedda relief centre, facing an uncertain future. "I’m still getting inquiries, but we can’t accept them," Kumara said. "I don’t know when we will be able to rebuild and return to normal."
His story highlights the vulnerability of an industry that is Sri Lanka's third-largest foreign exchange earner, contributing 4% to GDP, after remittances and apparel.
Widespread Damage and Economic Setback
The cyclone's impact has been extensive, affecting nearly 10% of Sri Lanka's 22 million population. Official figures report:
- At least 486 people killed, with hundreds still missing.
- Thousands of houses damaged or destroyed.
- Critical infrastructure, including roads, power lines, and telecom networks, severely hit.
- Significant losses to the agricultural sector.
This natural disaster represents a major setback for a country where a revival in tourism has been helping it recover from a debilitating economic crisis that peaked in 2022.
Industry Response and Tourist Experiences
Despite the challenges, the Hotels Association of Sri Lanka remains hopeful. Association president Asoka Hettigoda stated that cancellation rates have remained low at about 1%. "Hotels across the island are operational," he told Reuters. "Even in Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, among the worst-affected areas, tourists are safe and enjoying their stay, though access is still difficult due to blocked roads."
Authorities have implemented emergency measures to support tourists, including airlifting stranded visitors, waiving fees for overstaying visas, and allowing free flight rescheduling. The industry is advocating for an expanded visa-free programme and launching social media campaigns to reassure potential travellers.
Tourist arrivals had crossed two million by mid-November, with the government aiming for 2.6 million by year-end – the highest since the COVID-19 pandemic – driven by visitors from India, Russia, Germany, France, and the UK.
For some tourists, like 71-year-old Estelle Burgess from Australia, the cyclone became part of the adventure. "We’re hoping the weather improves so we can enjoy the beach," she said outside Kandy's Temple of the Tooth. "Sri Lanka truly is an adventure. You never know what's going to happen next."
Tour guides are now adjusting itineraries to avoid the worst-hit areas as the nation works to rebuild and restore its vital tourism sector.
