Tsunami (2004) & Economic Crisis (2022)

Two other disasters have shaken Sri Lanka in recent times — and both have left a lasting impact on the country.

Tsunami 2004

On December 26, 2004, one of the deadliest natural disasters in history hit Sri Lanka with full force. A wave up to 10 meters high struck the south and east coasts — over 35,000 people died, and 500,000 were left homeless. Entire coastal towns were wiped out. The most famous case: the "tsunami train" near Peraliya close to Hikkaduwa, where over 1,700 people drowned — the largest railway disaster of all time.

Sri Lanka has since rebuilt — early warning systems have been installed, buffer zones established along the coast. Memorials and museums along the south coast commemorate the victims.

Economic Crisis 2022

In April 2022, Sri Lanka's economy collapsed: state bankruptcy, inflation over 60%, fuel and food shortages, hours-long power outages. Mass protests led to the ousting of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The crisis was triggered by a combination of mismanagement, the COVID pandemic, and the controversial ban on chemical fertilizers.

For travelers, the economic crisis has created a paradox: The strong devaluation of the rupee has made Sri Lanka significantly cheaper for foreign visitors, while locals suffer from high prices. Tourism revenues are more important than ever for the country — every visitor directly helps in the economic recovery.