Standing with Sri Lanka

Acknowledging the impact of Cyclone Ditwah and exploring how solidarity and ethical choices can help communities rebuild

We love to think of travel as an escape - sweeping coastlines, lush hills, warm smiles from locals, the breeze across the train windows. But sometimes travel reminds us that the world is fragile, and that communities we admire can face unimaginable challenges.

In late November 2025, Cyclone Ditwah struck Sri Lanka, bringing torrential rains, floods, and landslides. Entire neighbourhoods were affected; hundreds of lives were lost, and thousands of people were displaced. Homes, roads, and livelihoods were damaged, and families are still navigating the aftermath. Emergency shelters and humanitarian organisations are providing essential aid, and local communities are showing remarkable resilience as recovery begins.

This is not a story to brush aside. It is a moment to pause, reflect, and act with compassion. Travel is a privilege, and it carries responsibility - especially when the people and places we love are in need.

How you can help now

Even if you are far away, there are meaningful ways to contribute:

• Donate to verified relief organisations: The Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS) is coordinating emergency response, delivering food, water, hygiene kits, and shelter. (redcross.lk)

• Support official national disaster relief funds: The Sri Lankan government has established channels for expatriates and international donors to contribute directly. (govpay.lk)

• Share accurate information: Amplify verified news and updates to help people understand the real situation and avoid misinformation.

• Stay connected with compassion: Even a small message of solidarity, a social share of verified links, or remembering the people behind your travel memories matters.

  
  

Thinking ahead: ethical travel when the time is right

We are not here to encourage anyone to travel immediately. For now, communities are focused on survival and rebuilding. But when conditions stabilise, tourism can be a force for good - if approached thoughtfully:

• Support local businesses: Choose small guesthouses, family-run hotels, and community lodges. Every dollar helps rebuild livelihoods.

• Eat, shop, and hire locally: Markets, artisans, and tour guides all benefit from conscious travel.

• Choose ethical tours: Operators that engage local guides, pay fair wages, and contribute to community projects ensure tourism supports recovery.

• Vote with your dollar: Your travel decisions can directly impact communities in positive ways, helping sustain culture, economy, and environment.

  
  

Why this matters

Acknowledging this crisis doesn’t diminish the joy of visiting Sri Lanka - it strengthens it. By understanding the hardships faced by local communities, travellers can approach their future journeys with empathy, respect, and responsibility.

Travel done consciously can help communities recover. Your footsteps, your spending, your choices - they can leave a positive mark, celebrating resilience rather than exploiting tragedy.

For now, our hearts are with Sri Lanka. And when the time is right, your travels can help support its people, its culture, and its remarkable landscapes - in ways that matter.