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Strong recovery of tourism in the Maldives

Published

3 years ago

2021/10/31

The Maldives is seeing a strong economic recovery after being one of the first countries to reopen its borders to tourists, an international ratings agency said Friday as it upgraded the country’s credit score.

The country reopened its borders last July and was able to keep foreign holidaymakers flocking to its white-sanded beaches away from the local population of 340,000.

The Maldives has 1,192 tiny coral islets scattered some 800 kilometres (500 miles) across the equator and dedicated tourist resorts are separated from inhabited islands.

Tourists arriving at its international airport are ferried by boat or seaplane to secluded resort islands.

Fitch Ratings, upgrading the country’s credit rating to B-, said tourism had rebounded to around 70 percent of pre-pandemic levels so far this year.

“We assume a gradual further normalisation of tourist arrivals to over 80 percent of pre-pandemic levels in 2022 and to around 100 percent in 2023,” Fitch said.

The Maldives attracted a record 1.7 million foreign tourists in 2019, a 15 percent increase from the previous year, according to the government, with China the biggest source of visitors.

Its economy is expected to expand by almost a third this year and 10 percent in 2022 after a 33.5 percent contraction last year, one of the sharpest drops globally, Fitch said.

“The development of a new terminal at the main international airport, in particular, should allow for a significant increase in the number of tourists over the coming years, while new resorts are also being built,” the rating agency said.

The country has fully vaccinated its resort staff against Covid-19. It has suffered 243 virus deaths out of some 87,487 infections.

Fitch’s upgrade came a day after rival firm Moody’s downgraded neighbouring Sri Lanka by a notch as the island nation faced a serious foreign exchange shortage.

The two countries have close tourism and trade links.

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Severe traffic reported on Ella-Wellawaya road due to inclement weather

Published

10 hours ago

2025/04/16

Priyan

Police urge motorists who intend to use the Ella – Wellawaya Road to use alternative roads as there is a severe vehicle congestion due to inclement weather condition.

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We should start working collectively to rebuild the country -PM

Published

13 hours ago

2025/04/16

Priyan

The oil anointing ceremony for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held on April 16 at the historic Rajamaha Viharaya in Kolonnawa, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

Following the chanting of pirith, the oil anointing ritual was carried out at the auspicious time of 9:04 a.m., by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kolonnawa Dhammika Thero.

Speaking after the ceremony the Prime Minister said that:

“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important festivities in our country. It is a celebration with our families, reflecting our traditions and customs while strengthening the ties.

This festival leads the path for renewing unity, love, and bonds stronger. These values enrich a country. Development of a country is not limited by one-dimensional; a true development includes spirituality, relationships, and connections. The reason why we uphold these customs in such ceremonies is to remind ourselves of the significance and to pass on their value to future generations.

Therefore, today marks a significant day. Throughout this week, we came together and engaged in various activities. Followed by, the next event will mark the leaving for employment at the auspicious time and we should start working collectively to rebuild the country.

I wish everyone a New Year that is prosperous, peaceful, joyful, full of strengthened relationships, and most importantly, safe for all.”

The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Divisional Secretary to Kolonnawa Priyanath Perera, Municipal Secretary Nelum Kumari Gamage, and the residents of the area.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

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Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]

Published

22 hours ago

2025/04/16

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology for 16 April 2025

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the table below and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED

Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated. Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.