There is potential for rapid recovery; says Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya
07-Dec-2025.
Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya expressed her gratitude to all nations that extended immediate assistance to Sri Lanka during the economic crisis.
A special discussion was held on Dec 6 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with members of the diplomatic community. The discussion was chaired by Prime Minister Dr. Amarasuriya along with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath.
Senior government officials, including representatives of the Disaster Management Center and the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, participated.
The Prime Minister expressed deep appreciation to the diplomatic community for their immediate support following recent floods and landslides. She noted that the country had faced one of the most severe disasters in recent years, and that effective coordination among government institutions and the resilience of the people enabled rapid progress in relief operations.
She confirmed that not a single tourist was affected, and previously inaccessible areas have now been reached. Extensive cleaning and disinfection efforts have been carried out to ensure public areas are safe.
Communication networks in affected regions have also been restored.
Rescue, evacuation, and emergency assistance were conducted through the combined efforts of the armed forces, police, government officials, healthcare workers, volunteers, and local authorities.
She acknowledged ongoing challenges, including infrastructure restoration, resettlement needs, and long-term disaster mitigation, and appreciated the technical, humanitarian, and financial support offered by partner nations.
Major General (Retd.) Sampath Kotuwegoda, Director General of the Disaster Management Center, provided detailed updates on the current situation: the number of affected families, evacuation centers,
damage assessments, and coordination with international agencies.
The cyclone impacted almost the entire country, with 22 districts severely affected. Some areas recorded rainfall up to 540 mm and wind speeds up to 70 km/h, causing extensive infrastructure damage. Initial estimates indicate that 2.3 million people were affected, including 1.8 million directly, and 1.1 million hectares of land. Among the affected are 40,152 pregnant women, who are receiving priority support. He emphasized the need for further technical cooperation in early warning systems, mapping, and climate-response technologies.
Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Chairman Puthika Hewavassam briefed diplomats on the impact on the tourism sector. He stated that major tourist zones continue to operate, safety assessments are ongoing, and short-term action plans have been implemented to secure the industry and incoming tourists.
Sri Lanka Hoteliers Association Chairman Ashoka Hettigoda added that coastal hotels from Marawila to Pasikuda are operating, with many maintaining 60 to 65 percent occupancy, and that hotels in Nuwara Eliya are partially functioning. He emphasized that continued tourism support is the best assistance the international community can offer Sri Lanka.
Diplomats expressed condolences and reiterated their countries’ readiness to support both immediate relief and long-term reconstruction. They commended the government’s transparent engagement and coordinated management of the crisis.
