Between November and January each year, Sri Lanka experiences its peak tourist season, with a significantly higher number of visitors compared to other months. During this period, Heeraath Rohan, a Sri Lankan citizen, typically hosts many tourists in his homestay flat.
However, after Cyclone Dithuwa, a powerful storm, struck Sri Lanka last week, resulting in approximately 500 deaths, Heeraath now finds himself in a relief center. His flat suffered extensive damage from the cyclone, and he is unsure how to revive his business.
Before the cyclone, Heeraath’s flat generated $30 per night from tourist rentals, and this income supported his family. Yet, due to the damage caused by the cyclone, Heeraath was forced to cancel all bookings for December and January. Although people continue to contact him for bookings, he is currently unable to accept them.
Tourism is Sri Lanka’s third-largest source of foreign exchange, contributing 4% to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product. The industry played a crucial role in helping Sri Lanka recover from the economic downturn it faced in 2022 and rebuild the nation. However, Heeraath’s situation following Cyclone Dithuwa also highlights the vulnerability of small businesses that are vital to Sri Lanka’s tourism sector.
Despite these challenges, there remains strong optimism for a rapid recovery in the tourism sector. Even after the cyclone, the rate of booking cancellations stood at only 1%. Hotels in the most severely affected areas have also reopened, and the country’s Hotels Association confirms that tourists are safe. By mid-November, over two million tourists had visited Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan government anticipates this number will reach 2.6 million before the end of the year.
