Deserted beaches, empty rooms: Sri Lanka tourism takes a hit after bombings

SUMMARY

Sri Lanka's $4.4 billion tourism industry is reeling from cancellations as travellers shun the sun and sand Indian Ocean island after multiple suicide bombings that killed over 250 people two weeks ago.

By ReutersMay 5, 2019 1:21:21 PM IST (Updated)

An empty bar is seen at the Warahena Beach hotel in Bentota, Sri Lanka. (REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte)

Empty sunbathing chairs are seen on a beach near hotels in a tourist area in Bentota, Sri Lanka. (REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte)

A tourist rests on a beach near hotels in a tourist area. (REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte)

A tourist walks along a beach near hotels in a tourist area. (REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte)

Empty sunbathing chairs are seen on a beach near hotels in a tourist area. (REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte)

A man arranges chairs at an empty restaurant of the Warahena Beach hotel in Bentota. (REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte)

UK Prasanna 54, waits for tourists inside his three-wheeler near a luxury hotel in Bentota. (REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte)

Samanmali Colonne, 51, poses for a photograph inside the Warahena Beach hotel in Bentota. (REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte)