Sri Lanka moves to limit impact on tourism from fuel restrictions

Sri Lanka is making “special arrangements” for tour operators and hotels as limits on buying fuel are imposed due to the Middle East conflict.

The country has also imposed a four-day working week for the majority of government officials, meaning most institutions will not function on Wednesdays.

The actions were outlined in updated Foreign Office travel advice for Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Information Centre has also set up a 24/7 tourism hotline offering guidance and support to visitors affected by airspace closures in the Gulf region.

The Foreign, Commonwelath & Ddevelopment Office (FCDO) advisory said: “The government of Sri Lanka is limiting purchases of fuel in response to the situation in the Middle East. All vehicles will be allocated a weekly fuel quota.

“The government has announced that special arrangements will be implemented for tour operators and hotels to minimise disruption to tourism.

“Additionally, the government of Sri Lanka has implemented a four-day working week for all government officials except those operating essential services (health, ports, water supply and customs).

“As a result, non-essential government services will not be available on Wednesdays.”

The FCDO highlighted "global travel impacts” due to escalation of the Middle East crisis.

The conflict has caused “widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and canclled flights.

“Many flights to the Middle East from Sri Lanka continue to be suspended. British nationals in Sri Lanka should contact their airlines for the latest updates.”  

It pointed to additional assistance being available via the Sri Lankan tourist hotline at 1912.