News
No immediate drop in tourist arrivals – tour operators
by Harishchandra Gunaratne
President of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound and Outbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) Nalin Jayasundera says that there has not been a drop in tourist arrivals (as at Friday) despite the travel advisories issued by some countries, including the US and the UK.
Jayasundera said that tour operators were however concerned about the possibility of future bookings.
He said that SLAITO was maintaining regular communication with foreign embassies to provide updates on the security situation and the measures being implemented to ensure the safety of tourists.
“Authorities have taken necessary precautions to prevent any incidents that could negatively impact the tourism industry,” Jayasundera said, noting that the upcoming World Travel Market (WTM) in London, one of the world’s largest travel fairs, would offer an opportunity for Sri Lanka’s tourism stakeholders to assure the global market, including the UK, that the country is a safe destination for holidaymakers.
The WTM, scheduled for early November, is expected to play a crucial role in restoring confidence among international tour operators and potential visitors to Sri Lanka.
Jayasundera said that many Israeli tourists were surfers who liked destinations like Pottuvil Point, Arugam Bay on the East coast, known as a surfers’ paradise the world over. Other areas popular among the Israeli visitors include Mirissa on the Southern coast. Jayasundera said Sri Lanka had recorded 1,484,808 tourist arrivals between January and September this year and 20,515 of them were Israelis. Corresponding figure for last year was 18, 449.
Deputy Director General of Sri Lanka Tourism Upali Ratnayake said that most Israeli tourists who were in the country had already departed.
Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairman, Buddhika Hewawasam said that unauthorised tourism operations, including businesses run by tourists who overstay their visas, would be dealt with according to the law.
Latest News
IMF Executive Board approves US$206 Million in Emergency Financial Support for Sri Lanka
The IMF Executive Board approved emergency financing under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI), providing Sri Lanka with immediate access to SDR 150.5 million (about US$206 million,
equivalent to 26 percent of quota) to help Sri Lanka address the urgent needs arising from the catastrophic Cyclone Ditwah and preserve macroeconomic stability.
In response to severe weather impacts, the Sri Lanka Navy conducted a diving and technical assistance operation on Friday (19 Dec 25) to clear major debris obstructing vital infrastructure.
Heavy rainfall caused a significant rise in the water level of the Mahaweli River, washed large quantities of debris, including logs and bamboo, downstream. These remain lodged in the Diyakapanathota in Gatambe, Peradeniya and Lewella bridges, obstructing the smooth flow of water.
Acting promptly upon request, a Navy diving team executed a coordinated operation in collaboration with the Road Development Authority. The team removed the accumulated debris, restoring normal water flow through the bridges.
Latest News
Landslide early warnings issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya extended till 8AM on Sunday (21)
The Landslide Early Warning Centre of the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has extended the Landslide Early Warning issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya till 08:00AM on Sunday (21st December 2025)
The LEVEL III RED landslide early warnings issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Medadumbara, Doluwa, Ududumbara and Minipe in the Kandy district, and Nildandahinna, Hanguranketha, Mathurata and
Walapane have been extended.
LEVEL II AMBER landslide early warnings have also been issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Soranathota, Hali_Ela, Passara, Meegahakivula, Badulla, Lunugala and Kandeketiya in the Badulla district, Thumpane, Harispattuwa, Udapalatha, Kundasale, Akurana, Poojapitiya, Udunuwara, Pathadumbara, Pasbage Korale, Gangawata Korale, Hatharaliyadda, Yatinuwara, Ganga Ihala Korale, Panvila, Pathahewaheta and Deltota in the Kandy district, Rideegama in the Kurunegala district, Ukuwela, Naula, Matale, Ambanganga Korale, Rattota, Pallepola, Wilgamuwa, Yatawatta and Laggala Pallegama in the Matale district, and Nuwara-Eliya in the Nuwara-Eliya district.
LEVEL I YELLOW landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Uva Paranagama, Welimada, Haputhale, Haldummulla, Ella and
Bandarawela in the Badulla district, Alawwa, Mallawapitiya,
Polgahawela and Mawathagama in the Kurunegala district, and Kothmale East, Ambagamuwa Korale, Kothmale West, Thalawakele and Norwood in the Nuwara-Eliya district.
IMF Executive Board approves US$206 Million in Emergency Financial Support for Sri Lanka
Navy clears major bridge obstructions in Peradeniya and Lewella
Landslide early warnings issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya extended till 8AM on Sunday (21)
Trump says US launched large-scale attacks on ISIL in Syria
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PM says govt. will introduce a new Constitution to abolish executive presidency
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