Following immediate interventions by the President and defense authorities, a special National Security Council meeting was convened to implement a comprehensive security framework, including heightened protection for embassies and high commissions potentially affected by international events.
To assist stranded travelers, the government granted a two-week visa extension to all tourists currently in Sri Lanka. Minister Herath added that the extension could be prolonged if the situation demands. He highlighted the contrast with Sri Lankan citizens stranded abroad, citing a group of doctors in Georgia unable to return due to flight cancellations and expired visas, noting that host countries have not offered similar extensions.
Despite global travel disruptions, confidence in Sri Lanka’s tourism sector remains resilient. The Tourism Authority has engaged with hoteliers and travel agents to ensure visitors are accommodated. European tourists, including those from Germany, continue to arrive via alternative routes, such as Turkish Airlines, reassured by the government’s security measures and humanitarian support.
