Sri Lanka is counting the human and economic cost of Cyclone Ditwah, the country’s deadliest natural disaster since the 2004 tsunami, even as it races to keep its vital tourism sector open at the height of peak season. With floodwaters receding and landslide zones under review, most of the island’s airports, major road corridors, coastal resorts and cultural landmarks are now operating, while a handful of rail lines, hiking areas and hill-country attractions remain closed or partially restricted for safety checks.

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Island Reels From Ditwah, But Tourism Pushes To Stay Open

Cyclonic Storm Ditwah made landfall on Sri Lanka’s eastern coast on 28 November 2025, unleashing torrential rain, severe flooding and landslides across all 25 districts. National disaster authorities and international agencies report more than a million people affected, hundreds of deaths, widespread displacement and extensive damage to homes, bridges, rural roads and farmland. The government declared a nationwide state of emergency to speed up rescue and repair operations.

Officials and industry leaders stress that the worst destruction has been highly localized, concentrated in central and south-central hill districts and in some low-lying floodplains, rather than in the island’s main tourism belt. Western and southern beaches, much of the cultural heartland and key urban centers such as Colombo and Galle avoided direct cyclone damage, allowing hotels and tour operators there to keep functioning through the storm and in its aftermath.

Tourism authorities say that keeping the sector running is a priority for national recovery, given its role as a leading source of foreign exchange and employment. With the December to April high season under way, the message from Colombo is that Sri Lanka remains “open, safe and welcoming,” even as it confronts a long and costly rebuilding effort in hardest-hit communities.

Airports, Visas And City Stays: What Travelers Can Expect Now

International air access into Sri Lanka is intact. Bandaranaike International Airport near Colombo, the main gateway for visitors, reported no structural damage during Cyclone Ditwah and has continued operating with normal arrivals and departures. Domestic aviation, including seaplane services to the central highlands and key resort areas, has also largely resumed regular schedules, though operators advise checking for short-notice changes as relief and logistics flights move through the system.

In Colombo and nearby coastal towns such as Negombo, hotels, guesthouses, restaurants and urban attractions are functioning normally. Power and water supplies have been restored across the capital region, and telecoms networks are stable. Visitors arriving now encounter a city that is busy with seasonal events and year-end shopping, with little visible sign of the inland devastation aside from fundraising drives and relief collection points.

Tourism officials are simultaneously using Cyclone Ditwah’s aftermath to accelerate policy shifts intended to lure more visitors. Authorities have reaffirmed plans for a long-discussed visa-free entry scheme for select nationalities, expected to come into force in early 2026, and have launched a marketing campaign under the banner “Sri Lanka is ready” in top source markets. While the visa changes are not yet in effect, officials frame them as part of a broader effort to signal continuity and confidence after the storm.

Coastal Resorts, Safaris And Cultural Sites: Mostly Open For Business

From the west coast down to the island’s renowned south coast, beach tourism is proceeding close to normal. Resort hubs including Negombo, Kalutara, Bentota, Beruwela, Hikkaduwa and the Galle coast report stable weather, calm seas and strong hotel occupancy. Operators say any minor flooding along coastal roads was quickly cleared after the storm passed offshore, and visitors are swimming, surfing and whale-watching with usual seasonal conditions.

On the east coast, which saw Ditwah’s landfall but escaped the worst of the inland landslides, major beach areas such as Passikudah and Arugam Bay are open. Beachfront resorts, surf schools and dive centers report their facilities intact and fully operational, with some properties even receiving last-minute bookings from travelers who chose Sri Lanka as a relatively stable option amid wider regional disruptions.

Inland, the island’s signature Cultural Triangle appears largely untouched by the cyclone’s physical impact. Heritage sites including Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura are open to visitors, with access roads cleared and on-site services functioning. Officials from the Central Cultural Fund and tourism bodies say visitor numbers are holding steady and that no major monuments suffered structural damage, though routine inspections continue as a precaution.

Wildlife tourism is also running, with the Department of Wildlife Conservation confirming that key national parks such as Yala, Udawalawe, Bundala, Kumana and Horton Plains are open. Safaris are departing on regular schedules, and park infrastructure has largely withstood heavy rains. Some lesser-known reserves and forest attractions, however, are undergoing safety checks and may see temporary restrictions if trails or access roads have been compromised.

Hill Country Disruptions: Trains Suspended, Trails Under Review

The most visible interruptions for travelers are in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, where the combination of steep slopes, saturated soils and intense rainfall triggered landslides and washouts. Iconic mountain-view towns such as Ella, Haputale, Hatton and Nuwara Eliya remain open and reachable by road, but the high-country railway network has suffered substantial damage in sections.

The scenic Kandy–Ella–Badulla rail line, a highlight of many itineraries, has been suspended following landslides and track damage along its most dramatic stretches. Rail authorities have not yet announced a firm reopening date, noting that engineers must stabilize cuttings, bridges and embankments before passenger trains can pass safely. Travel agents and tourism bodies are advising visitors to switch to hired cars, private transfers or intercity buses to reach tea country until rail services resume.

Road access into the hills has improved rapidly since the cyclone’s peak, with the government prioritizing at least one secure route to every key tourism zone. Main arteries such as Colombo–Kandy, Colombo–Kurunegala, Ella–Wellawaya and connections from the south coast into the central highlands are open, though travelers may encounter repair crews, temporary single-lane sections and occasional short diversions. Authorities urge visitors to travel during daylight and to monitor local advisories, especially if heavy rain returns.

Within the highlands, some nature reserves and hiking areas are under close review. The Knuckles mountain region, managed by the Forest Department, remains officially closed while rangers assess trail stability and landslide risks. Other popular trekking zones and viewpoints may be open with route modifications. Guides report that tea estates and village walks are operating, but off-trail explorations are being discouraged until slopes fully dry out.

On The Ground: Safety, Infrastructure And Community Recovery

Visitor safety has been a central theme in official communications since late November. The state of emergency declared by the government is framed as an administrative tool that allows rapid deployment of troops, engineers and resources to affected areas, rather than a sign of security or political instability. Tourism authorities emphasize that there are currently no movement restrictions on travelers and that curfews have not been imposed in major visitor zones.

Electricity and fuel supplies, both of which are critical for hotels, tour transport and local businesses, have mostly stabilized. Power utilities report that grids in major cities and tourism corridors are fully restored, with only scattered rural pockets still relying on generators as line repairs continue. Fuel distribution is reported as normal in coastal and cultural regions, with some remaining bottlenecks near heavily damaged districts where roads were cut by floods or landslides.

Rail connectivity, the transport mode most disrupted by Ditwah, is recovering in stages. Coastal rail lines are operational, and Sri Lanka Railways has restarted multiple services on the main line inland from Colombo, short of the hardest-hit hill-country sections. Travelers who had planned extensive rail journeys across the island are being urged to build in flexibility, combining train segments that are running with road transfers where gaps remain.

Behind the scenes of tourism’s relative normality lies a wider humanitarian picture of loss and rebuilding. Local media and aid agencies report thousands of homes damaged or destroyed, especially in central districts and in floodplains along major rivers. Agriculture, including rice paddies and tea smallholdings that indirectly support the tourism economy, has been badly hit. Industry voices and community leaders are encouraging visitors to see travel as a form of support, channelling spending into local guesthouses, restaurants, guides and artisans in areas that are safe but economically stressed.

Government And Industry Messaging: “Do Not Cancel”

Sri Lanka’s government and tourism industry have mounted a coordinated campaign to counter images of island-wide devastation and to prevent a wave of cancellations. Officials note that only a small fraction of foreign visitors were directly affected by the cyclone at the time it struck, and that all of those travelers have since been accounted for and moved to safety. Arrival figures in early December show that tourists continue to choose Sri Lanka despite headlines about the disaster.

From the prime minister’s office to industry associations, the public message is consistent: travelers with plans to visit should not cancel unless they are heading specifically to areas that remain off-limits for safety reasons. Travel advisors in key outbound markets are echoing this view, saying that most itineraries focused on beaches, culture, wildlife and city stays can proceed with minimal or no adjustment.

At the same time, tourism leaders are urging transparency about the scale of the humanitarian crisis and the long road to recovery for affected Sri Lankan families. Many hotels and tour operators are adding voluntary donation options, organizing relief drives or partnering with local NGOs, allowing guests to contribute to rebuilding efforts while on the ground. Responsible travel messaging, including respect for displaced communities and adherence to local safety guidance, is becoming a stronger part of pre-departure communication.

Planning A Post-Ditwah Trip: Practical Advice For Visitors

For travelers considering Sri Lanka in the coming weeks and months, the broad picture is one of a destination that is operational and welcoming, with targeted disruptions rather than system-wide breakdowns. Tourism experts recommend confirming each leg of an itinerary rather than making assumptions based on pre-cyclone guidebooks or generic online advice. Accommodation providers, local tour companies and up-to-date tourism bulletins remain the best sources for current route and activity status.

Prospective visitors are advised to pay particular attention to any plans involving the hill country, long-distance train journeys and remote hikes. Where rail lines are still suspended, booking a private car and driver or using reputable intercity bus routes can be a straightforward alternative. Allowing extra travel time between destinations, especially where road repairs are ongoing, can reduce stress and avoid missed connections.

Travel insurance that covers weather-related disruption and natural disasters is strongly recommended. Cyclone Ditwah has underlined the reality that climate change is amplifying extreme weather across South Asia, and that even destinations with strong tourism infrastructure can experience sudden shocks. Comprehensive coverage can help travelers recoup costs if they need to reroute, delay or cut short a trip because of renewed heavy rains or localized flooding.

Within Sri Lanka, visitors are encouraged to adopt a flexible, community-minded approach: choosing locally owned stays and eateries where possible, tipping fairly, and asking guides how best to support nearby villages that may have been affected. For many Sri Lankans, the income from a robust high season will be a crucial bridge as they rebuild homes, farms and small businesses damaged by the cyclone.

FAQ

Q1. Is Sri Lanka currently open for international tourists after Cyclone Ditwah?
Yes. Sri Lanka is open to international visitors, with Bandaranaike International Airport operating normally and the vast majority of tourism regions, hotels and services welcoming guests as the peak season progresses.

Q2. Which areas of Sri Lanka were most affected and should travelers avoid for now?
The most serious impacts occurred in some central and south-central hill districts and low-lying floodplains, where landslides and severe flooding damaged homes and local roads. Travelers should check the latest advice before visiting remote hill-country villages, active landslide zones or areas where authorities have restricted access for safety reasons.

Q3. Are Colombo, Galle and the main beach resorts operating normally?
Yes. Colombo, Negombo, Galle and major west and south coast beach areas such as Bentota, Beruwela and Hikkaduwa are operating close to normal, with hotels, restaurants, transport and utilities functioning and seasonal tourism activity in full swing.

Q4. What is the status of train travel, especially the famous Kandy to Ella route?
The scenic Kandy–Ella–Badulla line has been suspended due to landslides and track damage from the cyclone, and no reopening date has been confirmed. Other lines, particularly along the coast and sections of the main inland route from Colombo, are running, but travelers should expect adjustments and use road transfers where rail services remain disrupted.

Q5. Are national parks and wildlife safaris still available?
Yes. Major national parks including Yala, Udawalawe, Bundala, Kumana and Horton Plains are open and conducting regular safaris. Some smaller or more remote reserves may be under review or subject to temporary restrictions if access roads or trails were affected by heavy rains.

Q6. Can I safely visit the Cultural Triangle sites like Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa?
Yes. The key Cultural Triangle sites, including Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura, are open and accessible, with tourism authorities reporting normal operations and no significant structural damage from Cyclone Ditwah.

Q7. How has road travel been affected, and are key routes open?
Most primary road corridors linking major tourism zones are open, including routes between Colombo, Kandy, the Cultural Triangle, the south coast and many hill-country towns. Some secondary roads and mountain passes are under repair, so travelers may encounter diversions and should allow extra time for journeys.

Q8. Is it ethical to travel to Sri Lanka while communities are recovering from the cyclone?
Many Sri Lankans and tourism leaders say that responsible travel is both welcome and helpful, as visitor spending directly supports jobs and small businesses in a difficult recovery period. Travelers can further assist by patronizing local enterprises, donating to reputable relief efforts if they wish and respecting any local guidance in areas that have suffered losses.

Q9. What precautions should travelers take regarding weather and safety?
Visitors should monitor local weather updates, follow instructions from authorities and guides, avoid entering marked landslide zones or flooded areas, and travel by daylight in regions with ongoing repairs. Comprehensive travel insurance and flexible planning are advisable given the potential for further heavy rain during the monsoon period.

Q10. Should I change or cancel my upcoming trip to Sri Lanka because of Cyclone Ditwah?
In most cases, no. Unless your itinerary focuses heavily on areas still under safety review, such as certain highland railway segments or closed hiking regions, your trip can likely proceed with minor adjustments. It is wise to consult your airline, accommodation providers and local tour operator for the latest on specific routes and activities before making any final decision.