Unauthorised tourism structures are at the centre of a sweeping government review following widespread cyclone damage. Officials say recent weather extremes have highlighted the need for stronger oversight and safer development planning. The new measures aim to protect both visitors and communities.
Government tightens oversight of unauthorised tourism structures in risky, disaster-prone zones
The government has initiated a comprehensive crackdown on unauthorised tourism structures built in environmentally sensitive and disaster-prone zones, after Cyclone Ditwah exposed major gaps in regulatory compliance and land-use oversight. The severe weather event, which caused significant destruction across multiple regions, underscored long-ignored vulnerabilities within Sri Lanka’s tourism development framework and prompted national leaders to rethink how coastal and highland expansion should proceed.
During a special media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Deputy Minister of Tourism Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe emphasised that the cyclone had illuminated systemic weaknesses in planning approvals and enforcement. He noted that unapproved construction in areas identified as “risky zones” had amplified the scale of the destruction, making recovery efforts more difficult and cost-intensive. One of the most critical examples of poor compliance was found in the hill country, where hotels, lodges, and other commercial structures had been established on slopes known to be susceptible to landslides. Many of these developments had bypassed proper authorisation, creating hazardous conditions for both residents and travellers.
The government now intends to introduce a structured process to properly classify and publicise all “tourism-approved” properties. The objective is to improve visitor safety while directing travellers toward licensed establishments that meet recognised standards. According to Prof. Ranasinghe, the initiative will streamline oversight, reduce ambiguity, and encourage tourism investors to adopt long-term sustainable practices. It will also help eliminate misinformation commonly faced by tourists when selecting accommodation in ecologically vulnerable areas.
While acknowledging the essential role that tourism plays in the national economy, government officials argue that climatic volatility has necessitated a strategic shift in infrastructure development. Prof. Ranasinghe explained that Sri Lanka must now prioritise suitability, structural integrity, and environmental compatibility when considering new construction. He stressed that future projects must be located in areas deemed appropriate by scientific assessment, particularly by entities such as the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO). He also indicated that settlements and commercial buildings in zones classified as uninhabitable will likely face removal or relocation as part of a broader mitigation strategy.
This new policy direction reflects the challenging balance the government faces: revitalising the tourism economy while overseeing a massive reconstruction effort after the cyclone. With homes, schools, and public facilities severely damaged, authorities are under pressure to generate revenue quickly and efficiently. Tourism, identified as a primary engine of national income, is therefore being positioned as a central driver of the recovery agenda.
Prof. Ranasinghe highlighted that ensuring a rapid resurgence in the tourism sector is not merely an economic necessity but a humanitarian one. Funds generated from regulated tourism are expected to play a crucial role in rebuilding communities, supporting displaced families, and restoring essential public services. The Deputy Minister framed industry revival as a financial lifeline for thousands of affected households, emphasising that a stable tourism industry can accelerate the nation’s overall rehabilitation process.
Industry leaders have also endorsed the government’s revised approach. Representatives from The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) and the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) expressed confidence in the formal sector’s ability to comply with heightened standards and champion responsible development. They acknowledged existing infrastructure challenges in certain regions but asserted that regulated operators remain equipped to support economic revival and drive the recovery momentum.
These leaders also emphasised the resilience of the formal tourism sector, noting its track record of overcoming crises ranging from global pandemics to political instability. They argued that stricter regulations on unauthorised tourism structures will ultimately strengthen investor confidence, improve safety, and elevate Sri Lanka’s global reputation as a sustainable destination. By aligning with global best practices in environmental protection and hazard management, the tourism industry hopes to position itself as a reliable partner in the country’s long-term reconstruction initiative.
The government’s decisive stance marks a turning point in national tourism policy. Authorities aim to curtail the proliferation of unregulated construction and ensure that future developments contribute positively to both economic ambitions and environmental resilience. As Sri Lanka moves forward, the collective focus remains on safeguarding lives, preserving natural landscapes, and building a more accountable tourism framework that can withstand future climatic threats.