With a growing number of tourists currently stranded in Sri Lanka due to ongoing international flight disruptions, former diplomat Kananathan has urged authorities to adopt a proactive and compassionate approach to protect the country’s tourism reputation and future investment prospects.

As global travel routes face temporary interruptions, many visitors remain unable to return home as scheduled. While the situation is beyond Sri Lanka’s control, Kananathan emphasized that the country’s response at this critical moment will shape international perception.

“In diplomacy and in tourism, perception matters,” he stated. “How we treat our guests during a crisis will define how the world remembers Sri Lanka.”

He highlighted that countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Kenya have previously extended complimentary hotel stays and transit assistance to stranded passengers during global emergencies. “These nations turned logistical challenges into opportunities to showcase leadership and hospitality,” he noted. “Sri Lanka too can and should do the same.”

Kananathan suggested that offering temporary free or subsidised accommodation until flight operations normalize would reinforce Sri Lanka’s long-standing reputation as a welcoming destination. He emphasized that tourism remains one of Sri Lanka’s most vital economic sectors and a major source of foreign exchange. Extending temporary support to affected visitors is not only a humanitarian gesture but also a strategic investment.

“Tourism is built on trust and goodwill. A short-term cost can generate long-term dividends in loyalty, repeat visits, and global goodwill,” he said.

He outlined key benefits of such an initiative:

• Strengthening Global Reputation: Demonstrating care and responsibility enhances Sri Lanka’s image as a safe and tourist-friendly destination.
• Encouraging Repeat Visits: Visitors who feel supported during crises are more likely to return and recommend the country.
• Maintaining Hotel Stability: Coordinated support can help hotels sustain occupancy and protect jobs during disruptions.
• Boosting Investor Confidence: A structured and compassionate response signals policy stability and strong crisis management to international investors.

While stakeholders acknowledge that providing complimentary accommodation involves short-term financial considerations, many agree the long-term value in brand building, goodwill, and sustained tourism growth outweighs the immediate costs.

Kananathan stressed the importance of coordination: “This should be a united national effort involving the government, tourism authorities, hotel associations, and airline partners. Shared responsibility will make the initiative practical and sustainable.”

Protecting the “Island of Hospitality” Brand

Sri Lanka has long been celebrated for its warmth, culture, and spirit of hospitality. Extending temporary accommodation to stranded travelers would align naturally with this identity and demonstrate the country’s commitment to caring for its guests.

“Sri Lanka is known as the ‘Island of Hospitality.’ This is the moment to live up to that name,” Kananathan remarked.

As global travel continues to navigate uncertainty, he concluded that this period presents Sri Lanka not only with a challenge but also with a strategic opportunity to strengthen its standing as a resilient, responsible, and welcoming destination for the future.