Colombo, Dec 14 (NationPress) In light of the devastating impact from Cyclone Ditwah, Sri Lankan authorities are set to reopen numerous tourist attractions and initiate a comprehensive recovery plan to rejuvenate the tourism sector as the peak travel season draws near, according to official statements.

Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody informed reporters that the botanical gardens, previously shut down due to landslides and safety hazards caused by the cyclone, will soon welcome visitors again. He has instructed relevant agencies to take action to mitigate landslide threats in these locales, as reported by Xinhua News Agency.

Meanwhile, officials from Sri Lanka’s tourism sector have launched a promotional campaign themed “Sri Lanka is ready,” aimed at attracting tourists from the 10 primary source markets via digital channels.

On December 8, Buddhika Hewawasam, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, disclosed that a long-awaited visa exemption for visitors from 40 nations is anticipated to take effect in January 2026. This initiative is part of broader strategies to boost recovery post-disaster and ensure a successful winter tourism season.

Earlier this week, N.K.U. Rohana, Sri Lanka's Surveyor General, noted that the upcountry landscape has undergone significant transformations in various areas due to the landslides instigated by Cyclone Ditwah, as reported by Daily Mirror on Friday.

He emphasized the necessity for an update to the national land-use map series, revealing that the Survey Department aims to acquire high-resolution satellite images from orbiting satellites to facilitate an accurate re-mapping process. This new imagery is expected to assist in identifying landslide-affected regions and evaluating damage to river basins, agricultural land, and other areas.

Rohana mentioned that high-quality satellite images will be requested once the disaster situation stabilizes and repair work on water bodies and roads progresses. The department has already collected several low-resolution images from impacted provinces and initiated preliminary studies.

The Survey Department is also seeking international support for high-resolution imaging and has reached out to China, India, Japan, the United States, and Russia through diplomatic channels. China has already provided several detailed images showcasing areas affected by flooding and landslides.