Sonal Jayawickrama

@svpino Yep felt absolutely like magic when I got Discord set up, and now have different threads for each of my Claude Code projects. Incredible.

Controlling Claude Code from my phone is next-level coding p0-rn. I don't want to hear your "oPeNcLaW dOeS tHat" crap. I don't care.

@erangatennakoon This is going to kick start inflation across the board.

Diesel by 90 rupees. That'll have a huge impact across everything.

The challenge that the tourism industry is facing today; with the geopolitical situation in the Middle East is arguably as tough, probably tougher than the one we faced during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis. The right strategies and smart marketing is whats going to help the industry stay afloat till the situation settles.

@mangkaru I would love to see this happen; but realistically does Mattala have the operational capabilities to handle this is the question.

“Sri Lanka is offering up its “ghost airport” as a hub for airlines like Emirates and Qatar Airways,” onemileatatime.com/news/sri-lanka…

Not to jinx it, but finally, maybe a sign of things de-escalating?

@AthaudaDasuni So QR code + this? Or this replaces the QR system?

⛽️ ODD AND EVEN FUEL DISTRIBUTION ❗️ Vehicle number plates ending in odd numbers can obtain fuel on odd days, while those ending in '0' or even numbers can obtain fuel on even days, starting today. 👇🏽Vehicles with number plates ending in: 0️⃣,2️⃣,4️⃣,6️⃣ and 8️⃣: eligible to obtain fuel on EVEN numbered days ✅ 1️⃣,3️⃣,5️⃣,7️⃣ and 9️⃣ eligible to obtain fuel on ODD numbered days ✅ ❗️This mechanism will be strictly implemented starting tomorrow. #lka #SriLanka

@zeem35 @ANailufer They were already complaining about high air fares, the current situation will push it even more. They are still our main segment, but it won't be enough to cover the losses.

@sonaljay8 @ANailufer Aren't the Indians flying in ??

It is now a double whammy for the tourism industry. Foreign booking cancellations are continuing to increase at an alarming rate; up to 30% for some properties for bookings until the end of April. Plus the fuel crisis means that the local market cuts down on travel too.

@ANailufer The alternative is to target markets that can travel easily to Sri Lanka. But even then, rising air fares are making it challenging.

@sonaljay8 Have you'll planned any alternatives to cover these losses?

@ratne_malli @1Cryptokatz Yep not just us

@sonaljay8 @1Cryptokatz Many also cancel after anticipating transport disruptions within the country. LK, ph, th are in for a rough season.

@soysa007 I agree

@sonaljay8 I might sound like a hypocrite for those who are providing an excellent service equally to all nationals, but Those restaurants who refuse to serve Sri Lankan Nations needs an unforgettable lesson.

@PriHett Yes unfortunately

@sonaljay8 And the East may face another tough season, having just started to recover after Easter 2019.

@Imtiaz88Zahrah This too

@sonaljay8 Well who will come with flights being cancelled and fares going up

@1Cryptokatz Cancellations through the Middle East is the primary reason. Furthermore some are worried about flying over ME airspace too.

@sonaljay8 What do you attribute the cancellations to? Is it transit through the Middle East or that air tickets in general have become a lot more expensive?

@CharanaK @nimilamalee This seems to be the common consensus

@sonaljay8 @nimilamalee We are opting out of our April hill country visit and looking at a short trip within a 50km radius and if the fuel situation gets worse may opt out altogether.

@0xkarasy @nimilamalee They deserve to beg for our business.

@sonaljay8 @nimilamalee I saw many cancellations after April. At least those racist establishments are going to beg locals.

@Kevin57928906 As far as I am aware, a large majority of tourists stuck here have found ways out. A few flew to Male and left from there; some even organized charter flights.

@sonaljay8 1. What about stocks of AVTUR for aircraft to refuel at Katunayaka? 2 . What happens to stranded tourists on prepaid holidays where their prepaid periods end and they are still stuck in Lanka? Who will pay for their food and accommodation? Surely not us taxpayers, i.e., govt?

Yes but from the communication the government is putting out so far Gita it definitely looks like there is no plan/strategy for tourism at all. My biggest telltale sign was that no one from the tourism authorities raised the question about how the fuel rationing would affect the tourism sector. It was an after thought.

Your guess is as good as mine? @sonaljay8

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is showing resilient momentum with 66,996 arrivals recorded from March 1–11—averaging 6,090 daily. However, these are volatile times. • Middle East tensions disrupting flights/routes • Fuel crisis: Queues, QR rationing (e.g., 15L/week for cars), price hikes >8%, 4-day week/public holidays to conserve stocks amid global oil disruptions. • Revenue pressure despite volume (lower-spend shift) • Power disruptions remain a concern tied to the fuel situation. That said, authorities have repeatedly assured that tourists and the tourism industry are protected — with dedicated fuel arrangements in place for tour operators, hotels, transport services and airports to ensure smooth travel and operations. No shortages are expected for visitors. The challenges we’re facing are largely beyond Sri Lanka’s control, driven by international events. The big question is: Does the government have a robust, forward-looking plan to safeguard tourism, stabilize energy for essential services, and mitigate these external shocks ? Hoping for clear communication, proactive contingency measures and continued prioritization of this vital sector. Tourism has been a bright spot for recovery. Hope we can keep it that way 🙏🏽🇱🇰✈️ @sltda_srilanka

@asanka_lka @nimilamalee My pleasure 🙏

@sonaljay8 @nimilamalee Thanks! Will check

@zfazeel @nimilamalee LOL, its going to be very tough for them

@sonaljay8 @nimilamalee Wonder what the “only foreigners- no locals” business strategies will be, now that the circumstances have changed? 🤔

@asanka_lka @nimilamalee Hi Asanka not really. But a good source would be to check your OTA profile back ends for average cancellations within your area/peers.

@sonaljay8 @nimilamalee Useful information on tourism Sonal, thanks. Is there a source track cancellations etc ?