Is Sri Lanka Safe to Travel 2022
Image © Resplendent Ceylon
If Sri Lanka has been on your travel list but you are wondering is Sri Lanka safe, the answer is yes!
Sri Lanka was never unsafe for tourism. Over a month after Sri Lanka’s peaceful protests ended by achieving a momentous change, there is a functioning government handling the economic challenges, hotels and restaurants are open, citizens are back to work and all tourism services are in operation. Fuel is prioritized for registered travel agents like Ayu in the Wild.
Read on for a quick insider update on more things to know before traveling to Sri Lanka.
Is there Fuel in Sri Lanka
All hotels and destination management companies like Ayu in the Wild who are registered with Sri Lanka Tourism, can obtain fuel as a priority from storage facilities island wide for transfers, hotel and villa operations, generators and supply chains. It is safe to plan a visit to Sri Lanka across the island as Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is equipped and ready to ensure visitors enjoy optimum service levels.
Is Sri Lanka Safe with an Economic Crisis affecting food inflation
We get many messages from global travelers asking is Sri Lanka safe and is there enough food. Food inflation is affecting the whole world. Misleading global media coverage portrays all Sri Lankans are on the verge of starvation. In reality, less than 20% of the population below the poverty line are struggling and we are pulling together as a nation to support some wonderful home grown food initiatives.
Image © Tintagel
Sri Lanka’s hotels are open and can offer delicious Sri Lankan cuisine showcasing famous island flavours in seasonal, low food mile menus. Bars, restaurants and cafes are abuzz and need prior reservations, especially on Friday nights! Here’s a few of Ayu in the Wild’s personal recommendations in Colombo, while some of the island’s best flavours are plated or stirred up at Smoke n’ Bitters in Hiriketiya, listed amongst the top 50 Bars in Asia.
Tourism in Sri Lanka is the quickest social safety net for low-income earners who are directly or indirectly involved in the industry.
Is Sri Lanka Safe and Politically Stable
Sri Lanka was never unsafe for tourists. The peaceful protests in Sri Lanka hailed in a new President, a new Prime Minister, and new cabinet who are engaging with the IMF and global funders to address key issues in the country. A few countries have already relaxed their travel advisories to encourage travel to Sri Lanka as there is a safe and functioning government.
The Sri Lankan protest was a beautiful citizen expression of unity, democracy, art and peace that will be written in history as one of the world’s most peaceful revolutions. After the change in government, the protest site was vacated. Colombo and tourist sites across Sri Lanka are safe to visit.
Will Tourists take away Resources from Locals
Citizens understand how important reviving Tourism is to get Sri Lanka’s economy back on track and you will get the warmest of Sri Lankan welcomes across a safe and welcoming Sri Lanka. Tourism is not viewed as “taking away resources from locals” instead, locals are keenly aware that a steady flow of Tourism dollars will enable the Sri Lankan government to maintain essential supplies of food, cooking gas, fuel, fertilizer for agriculture, medicines for state hospitals and other essential items. Schools, governments offices, public transport (including Sri Lanka Railways and the Highways) are open.
Everyday life is settling in as a nation of resilient men and women, continue to rebuild their lives and strengthen Sri Lanka’s economy.
What really happened in Sri Lanka in 2022?
There’s a lot to unpack. Sri Lanka News grabbed headlines over the last 8 months. The economy was mismanaged. People of every race and religion united to protest against a corrupt government and leadership. It was not a violent protest. There was art, music, inclusivity, faith, peace and unity among multi ethnicities celebrated at the protest site. Actors and musicians mingled with activists, farmers, religious leaders, teenagers, housewives and business leaders. A multicultural celebration of unity was the only weapon. It was hijacked for a couple of days by violence and global media swooped in. Peace was not deemed as newsworthy as crisis and irresponsible news reporting did much damage - especially to tourism.
After the change in government, the protest site was vacated and the usual island resilience is back. Sri Lanka is safe.
How does tourism impact Sri Lanka
Every dollar spent in Sri Lanka will strengthen the economy, and the tourism sector will play a pivotal role in the country’s economic revival. According to the ILO, Sri Lanka shows high shares of jobs in tourism. 6.8% of employed Sri Lankas are directly dependent on Tourism. Many more are indirectly dependent, like local SMEs.
By booking a positive impact trip with Ayu in the Wild , you will create pockets of circular economies along your travel route, funneling tourism revenue directly to local artisans, farmers, experience hosts and their communities.
Is Sri Lanka safe? Yes.
Ayu in the Wild Holidays is a 100% Sri Lankan owner-run Boutique Travel Agency curating sustainable slow luxury holidays to Sri Lanka since 2012, through the knowledge of the widely traveled Sri Lankan owners.