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The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai hosted a webinar on 16 December 2025, under the theme Tourism in Sri Lanka in the Aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) and Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) collaborated in organizing the event.
The webinar was intended for the Indian travel and tourism industry with the aim of providing an update on the ground situation in Sri Lanka with regard to tourism and to dispel any concerns that may have arisen among tour operators and potential travelers due to the cyclone.
Addressing the participants, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai Priyanga Wickramasinghe underscored that the country, as well as its tourism sector, is reinventing itself rapidly, in spite of the profound challenges over the last few years, particularly since 2019. She observed that Sri Lanka is blessed not only with natural beauty and cultural heritage, but also an unbridled spirit in the face of difficult circumstances. The Consul General asserted that the legendary hospitality of the Sri Lankan people cannot be diminished even in trying times as demonstrated in the broad-based collective action following Cyclone Ditwah.
Reaffirming TAAI’s enduring partnership with Sri Lanka and commitment to support the revival and growth of the island’s tourism from the Indian market, the association’s Tourism Council and National Committee Member Manav Soni noted that tourism is not merely an industry but also a lifeline for the country, as it sustains communities, supports small businesses, empowers women and youth, and preserves the island’s cultural and natural heritage. TAAI’s message to the Indian traveller, he averred, is that visiting Sri Lanka will not only offer unforgettable experiences, but also contribute meaningfully to the nation’s recovery and growth.
Chapter Chairman of TAFI - Western India, Jay Kantawala commended the swift efforts taken by Sri Lankan authorities to restore normalcy, and the country's resilience and determination to bounce back. He conveyed TAFI’s commitment to promoting Sri Lanka as a safe and exciting destination to its members and their clients, highlighting the country's rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality.
Observing that all tourism sites across the island are open, safe, and fully operational, SLTPB Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam reiterated that the island continues to welcome tourists as before with road access to popular tourist destinations being restored. He noted that despite a few cancellations since the disaster, the tourist industry is alive and well. He also appreciated the continuing interest among Indians to travel to Sri Lanka and make it a point to return time and again.
Manager (Western India) of SriLankan Airlines Suman Udhayakumaran, Chairman of Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators Nalin Jayasundera, and Chairman of The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka Asoka Hettigoda also shared perspectives from their respective areas of expertise.
Participating Indian industry partners expressed unreserved support for Sri Lanka as it navigated the current challenges and undertook to promote tourism to the country. Suggestions were also made to actively target the eastern states of India in Sri Lanka’s tourist promotions, and in this context to commence SriLankan Airlines flights to that region. Further, it was requested that SriLankan Airlines consider establishing air connectivity between Jaffna and Chennai.
From January to the first week of December 2025, Sri Lanka recorded 2.15 million tourist arrivals, including 50,222 visitors in the first week of December alone. Arrivals from India continue to lead the market.
Consulate General of Sri Lanka
Mumbai
19 December 2025
