A group of 2,117 tourists from Thailand arrived by sea at the Hambantota International Port today. The cruise ship remained berthed at the port for the day while the tourists visited several attractions, including Yala National Park, Udawalawa National Park, Kataragama, and the Hambantota Botanical Gardens.

Hambantota Mayor D. A. Gamini stated that the Ruhunu Tourist Bureau, in collaboration with the Hambantota Municipal Council, had arranged transport facilities for the tourists through the private sector. A special vehicle park was set up by the Municipal Council for the convenience of the visitors, while officials from the Tourist Bureau assisted tourists in boarding the vehicles.

The large influx of tourists resulted in traffic congestion in the area, prompting the Hambantota Harbour Police to intervene and regulate traffic to ensure smooth movement.