• Visas to be extended

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) yesterday (29) claimed that all necessary arrangements had been made to assist tourists currently holidaying in Sri Lanka.

The Department of Immigration and Emigration has agreed to extend visas for those whose permits expire during this period, while airlines have waived additional charges for extending departure dates owing to the prevailing situation across the island. 

SLTDA Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam told The Sunday Morning yesterday that visas of tourists that were expiring today (30), or of those unable to complete their tours due to severe weather conditions, would also be extended.

He added that no accidents involving tourists had been reported but that some visitors were stranded in Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, and Kandy due to access difficulties. 

With assistance from the Disaster Management Centre, the armed forces, and the Police, they are being accommodated in hotels near the locations they had intended to visit.

The SLTDA Chairman said that once roads were passable, arrangements would be made for tourists to continue their stay. He also confirmed that reimbursements would be provided for tickets and entry fees to attractions they were unable to visit during their tour.

Sri Lanka Tourism has activated its 24-hour emergency hotline 1912 to assist visitors affected by the current severe weather. In a notice issued on Friday (28), the Tourism Emergency and Assistance Centre advised tourists to call the hotline for help, safety advice, travel information, or emergency support.