A special briefing for the diplomatic community in Sri Lanka was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, chaired by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Minister Vijitha Herath.
Senior officials from the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) and the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) were also in attendance.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya expressed deep appreciation to the diplomatic community for their swift support following the recent floods and landslides. She noted that although Sri Lanka experienced one of its most severe disasters in recent years, rapid government response and public resilience had enabled significant progress in relief and recovery operations.
The Prime Minister confirmed that no tourists were harmed during the disaster and that all previously inaccessible areas are now reachable. Massive cleanup and decontamination efforts are ongoing, and communications have been restored across affected regions.
She highlighted that relief, evacuation, and emergency assistance were carried out through the collective efforts of the tri-forces, police, health workers, volunteers, and local authorities. Remaining challenges include infrastructure restoration, resettlement, and long-term disaster mitigation. She welcomed the humanitarian, technical and financial support offered by Sri Lanka’s international partners.
DMC Director General Maj. Gen. (Retd) Sampath Kotuwegoda presented detailed updates, noting that 22 districts were severely affected, with some areas recording up to 540 mm of rainfall and winds of 70 km/h. Early assessments show that 2.3 million people were exposed, 1.8 million directly affected, and 1.1 million hectares of land impacted. This includes 40,152 pregnant women, who have been prioritised for assistance.
He highlighted areas where further international support—such as improved early-warning systems and climate-response technology—would be valuable.
SLTDA Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam assured diplomats that major tourist zones remain operational, and safety assessments and contingency plans are in place for the peak season.
Chairman of the Hotel Association of Sri Lanka, Ashoka Hettigoda, noted that coastal hotels from Marawila to Passikudah remain fully operational, many at 60–65% occupancy, while hotels in Nuwara Eliya are partially functioning. He emphasised that ongoing tourism support is the best assistance the international community can offer Sri Lanka at this time.
Diplomats extended condolences to affected communities and reaffirmed readiness to support both immediate relief efforts and long-term rebuilding. They commended the government’s transparent and coordinated crisis management.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya thanked all representatives for their cooperation and reiterated the government’s commitment to a resilient, inclusive recovery. She stressed that strengthening disaster preparedness, climate resilience, and institutional capacity would be central to Sri Lanka’s future development agenda.
The meeting was also attended by Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra, Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, and Foreign Ministry Secretary Aruni Ranaraja.
