Sri Lanka will reopen most tourist destinations and introduce recovery measures to revive its tourism industry after Cyclone Ditwah, officials said.
Deputy Environment Minister Anton Jayakody said the country’s botanical gardens, closed because of landslides and safety concerns, will reopen soon. He directed agencies to put safeguards in place against future landslide risks.
Tourism officials launched a digital campaign under the theme “Sri Lanka is ready,” aimed at travelers from the nation’s top 10 source markets.
On Dec. 8, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam said a visa-free entry program for visitors from 40 countries is expected to begin in January 2026. The initiative is part of broader efforts to boost arrivals during the winter season and accelerate recovery from the cyclone’s impact.
More than 70,000 tourists visited Sri Lanka between Dec. 1 and Dec. 11, according to official data.