Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism Vijitha Herath jointly briefed foreign diplomatic missions and international organizations yesterday (05 December 2025) on Sri Lanka’s ongoing flood-relief operations and the country’s transition into the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase following Cyclone Ditwah.
Addressing the diplomatic community, Prime Minister Amarasuriya expressed deep appreciation for the swift support extended by foreign governments, international bodies, and development partners during the emergency phase. She noted that Sri Lanka has now moved from immediate disaster response to long-term recovery and rebuilding, with top priorities focused on restoring electricity, water supply, transport networks, health services, and telecommunications across all affected districts.
The Prime Minister highlighted that a comprehensive national needs assessment is currently underway with the assistance of development partners. The findings will guide large-scale reconstruction efforts. She invited international partners to support priority areas such as rebuilding roads, bridges, irrigation systems, and transport links; restoring safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services; and assisting with major waste-management and debris-removal operations essential for public health and environmental protection.
The Director General of the Disaster Management Centre presented an overview of current conditions in affected regions, along with preliminary findings from rapid damage assessments.
Tourism sector representatives—including the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO), and the Hotel Association of Sri Lanka (THASL)—reported that key tourism sites, including wildlife parks, marine parks, and cultural attractions, have reopened. They confirmed that all stranded tourists were safely evacuated and urged the international community to continue supporting Sri Lanka by promoting travel to the country. They also requested regular, evidence-based updates to foreign travel advisories to reflect improving on-ground conditions.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism said that representatives of diplomatic missions and international organizations reaffirmed their support for Sri Lanka and outlined ongoing and planned assistance for recovery and reconstruction.
