Experts: Sri Lanka’s tea industry, tourism hit hard by Ukraine crisis

Nigambo, Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka is one of the countries being impacted by the Russia-Ukraine war, as the country was a tourist attraction for both Ukrainians and Russians.

Moreover, the country’s tea industry is hit hard by the war, as its fallout has brought a halt to Sri Lanka’s exports to these two countries.

Russia is one of the biggest importers of Sri Lankan tea, which accounts for nearly USD 140 million.

Sisira Hewawasam, a political analyst, highlighted the issue of the disruption of tea export, adding that exporting tea is impossible under the current
circumstances, affecting the country’s financial situation.

He said the war has deeply worsened the already tough situation with the disruption of oil supply from Russia, creating an energy crisis in the country.

Shamila Perera, a tourist guide, said tourism has been deeply affected, saying that 75 percent of bookings have been canceled due to the war. He said the industry is collapsing.

“This (the Russia-Ukraine war) has affected the supply of petroleum, power, and gas. Another opportunity of earning dollars for our country has been lost because of this war situation,” Hewawasam said.