He announced this today (03) during a special media briefing held at the Department of Government Information.
Hettigoda confirmed that hotels in Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla and Jaffna are already hosting tourists, and these establishments are prepared to welcome new arrivals as well.
Despite minor damages reported in some hotels, around 80% of the properties are fully ready to accommodate tourists, he added.
He further stated that hotels in Kandy and Nuwara Eliya are expected to have their essential services—water, electricity and telecommunications—restored within the next two to three days, enabling those regions to also reopen for tourists. Transport arrangements are now being organized to support travel across affected areas.
Hettigoda emphasized that hotels from Negombo to Passekudah continued to operate with uninterrupted electricity and water supply, and that there are no service deficiencies within hotels registered under the Hotel Association.
Although some tourist arrivals were cancelled due to the recent disaster situation, a fresh influx of visitors is expected in the coming days, he noted.
He also stated that the Hotel Association has proposed that the government facilitate insurance claims and loan assistance through banks to help restore damaged hotels. Additionally, he acknowledged the government’s intervention in resolving several issues faced by tourists, including challenges related to visa processing.
