Current Travel Information and Tourist Safety Guide

Thank you very much to everyone who checked on us. Our Sri Lankan team, our guides, our travel partners and their loved ones are all safe. We wish a fast recovery to everyone in Sri Lanka who was affected by the recent weather. Our prayers and heartfelt love are with Sri Lanka and its beautiful people.

This article provides a clear and calm update about the current weather situation in Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwa, including which areas are safe, which areas should be avoided temporarily, and important information for travelers.

❓ What happened in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka experienced Cyclone Ditwa, which brought heavy rainfall across many parts of the country. This resulted in temporary flooding and landslides in several regions, mainly in the central and eastern areas.

📅 Current situation as of 30th November

The rain has stopped and Cyclone Ditwa has now moved away toward India.
Some areas near rivers and low-lying towns still have minor flooding and isolated landslides.
Authorities and rescue teams continue to monitor the situation across the island.

🏙️ Areas that were affected

Several regions experienced weather-related disruptions, including:
Ella, Badulla, Nuwara Eliya, Ramboda, Kandy, Matale, Gampola, Kegalle, Chilaw, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Jaffna, Colombo and Gampaha.

These areas may need a few days to fully return to normal.

⚠️ Casualties and impact

As of the morning of 30th November:
• 159 people have died
• 203 people are missing
• A large number of families are affected across the island

Rescue and support operations are ongoing with full government involvement.

🛡️ What the Sri Lankan government is doing

A national emergency has been declared.
Military and disaster response teams are conducting rescue missions, delivering aid and supporting affected communities.
There are 919 active rescue and relief centers operating in the impacted regions.

🌍 International assistance

Several countries were quick to respond:
• India sent a 100-member rescue team, humanitarian supplies and 4 helicopters.
• USA, Maldives and Japan have also extended support.

More international aid may follow in the coming days.

👥 Tourist safety update

On the night of 29th November, three female travelers (two from Mexico and one from Argentina) were caught in a landslide in Welimada, near Ella.
They were safely rescued and moved to a secure center.
No other tourist incidents have been reported.

Sri Lanka continues to welcome travelers, and the majority of tourist zones remain safe.

📞 Important safety assistance for tourists

Tourists can contact 1912 for the Sri Lanka Tourism Emergency and Assistance Hotline.
Sri Lanka Tourism has also offered a free 2-week visa extension for tourists whose visas expire during this period.

✈️ Flight support for tourists

Sri Lanka has introduced special support for tourists facing flight disruptions due to the weather.

What is offered:
• Full waiver of flight cancellation fees
• Full waiver of date change fees
• Flexible rebooking policies
• A simple verbal statement from the passenger is enough as proof

How to use it:
Visit your airline counter at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport.
Inform them that you were affected by the weather.
Request a free date change, cancellation or rebooking.
No documents are required.

🌞 Safe and fully operational tourist areas

The South Coast of Sri Lanka is safe, sunny and fully functioning.
Popular tourist destinations remain open, including:
Bentota, Beruwala, Ambalangoda, Hikkaduwa, Ahangama, Galle, Unawatuna, Koggala, Talpe, Weligama, Mirissa and Tangalle.

Hotels, restaurants, beaches and excursions in these areas are operating normally.

🚫 Areas tourists should avoid temporarily

For the next few days, it is better to avoid traveling to the hill country, due to the risk of landslides. These include:
Ella, Badulla, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Kegalle, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Passikudah, Jaffna and Batticaloa.

Travelers staying near river mouths should stay alert as water levels are high.

📌 Additional travel information

• All national parks in Sri Lanka are temporarily closed.
• The Kandy to Badulla railway line is damaged and currently not operational.
• Flights arriving to Colombo may face minor delays due to weather and airport traffic.
• For day trips or excursions inland, tourists should check latest local updates before traveling.

Sri Lanka remains warm, welcoming and safe for travelers on the South Coast.
Tourists can continue their holidays with confidence while authorities restore affected areas.

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