What Travelers Need to Know Right Now
Tourism Faces Weather Challenges — But Sri Lanka Remains Open
Sri Lanka is currently experiencing the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which brought heavy rains, localized flooding and landslides to several parts of the country during late November. While some regions—especially the Central Highlands and certain rural districts—faced disruptions, tourism operations across the island remain active. Hotels, transport services, tour operators, and major attractions continue to welcome visitors.
The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) also reaffirmed that the island remains safe and fully open for travel, with enhanced monitoring and quick-response teams supporting affected areas. For travellers, this means Sri Lanka is still a viable destination, but extra awareness and smart planning are essential.
Positive Measures for Foreign Travellers
To support tourists affected by extreme weather, authorities introduced several temporary relief measures that make travel easier:
- Free visa extensions for travelers whose plans were disrupted
- Flexible travel options in collaboration with airlines and immigration
- Help desks established at the airport and key tourist hubs
- Streamlined support for rescheduling hotel stays and tour bookings
These steps ensure tourists can adjust their trips without stress or additional cost, especially if delays or cancellations occur due to weather-related issues.
Which Areas Are Most Affected?
While most destinations are operating normally, some areas experienced heavier impact:
🌧️ Affected / Partially Disrupted
- Central Highlands: Nuwara Eliya, Hatton, Ella (occasional landslides, road clearance ongoing)
- Interior Regions: Occasional road blockages due to heavy rainfall
- River Belt Areas: Isolated flooding in certain villages
☀️ Functioning Normally / Tourist-Ready
- Colombo & Suburbs
- Negombo, Kalutara, Bentota, Galle, Unawatuna
- Mirissa, Weligama, Matara, Tangalle
- Jaffna & Northern Province
- Trincomalee, Pasikuda, Batticaloa
- Kandy City (with caution for hill transfers)
- Cultural Triangle: Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura
The coastal belt remains the most stable for travel, with sunny conditions returning.
What Travelers Should Do Right Now
To travel safely and comfortably, visitors are encouraged to follow these simple steps:
✔ Check Local Weather & Road Conditions
Before moving between cities, confirm the condition of A5, A7, and other hill-country roads which may have temporary clearings.
✔ Stay Flexible With Your Itinerary
Choose backup plans for hill-country hikes, waterfall visits and long-distance road trips.
✔ Choose Accommodation in Less-Affected Regions
Coastal areas are enjoying improved weather and make the safest base for December travel.
✔ Make Use of Visa Extensions
If your travel was delayed, apply for your free visa extension at immigration or through SLTDA support desks.
✔ Follow Official Updates
Use verified government and tourism websites for the most accurate information.
The Outlook for December Travel
Sri Lanka’s tourism sector continues to show resilience, ensuring travelers experience as little inconvenience as possible. December remains one of the most vibrant months for tourism with:
- Beach season opening fully on the South & West Coasts
- Cultural festivals and seasonal events
- Strong hotel availability
- Improving weather patterns across most regions
Although the island recently faced unusual weather, Sri Lanka continues to be a warm, welcoming, and rewarding destination for international visitors.
