Cyclone Ditwah has caused widespread disruption across Sri Lanka, with the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka warning of significant damage to road infrastructure and ongoing hazards from flooding and landslides. Shortages of food, fuel, and fresh water have been reported outside Colombo due to supply chain disruptions, increasing pressure on emergency services.
As a precaution, the U.S. Embassy has temporarily restricted staff travel to several areas considered unsafe: all central mountain districts including Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Ella; Anuradhapura and its surroundings; the region between Negombo and Chilaw; and the Mahawelli River valley. The embassy advises American citizens to avoid these locations until further notice but notes that other parts of Sri Lanka, such as southern beaches, remain accessible. The situation will continue to be monitored.
“If you are traveling anywhere in Sri Lanka and encounter unsafe road conditions, turn around and reconsider travel,” states the advisory.
U.S. citizens are encouraged to exercise caution, avoid impacted regions, and keep updated with local weather reports. The embassy remains open for operations at this time but will communicate any changes regarding consular appointments as needed.
Travelers outside Colombo are advised to check local conditions before departure, ensure they have sufficient fuel and water supplies, maintain vigilance about their surroundings, follow instructions from authorities, keep emergency supplies on hand, ensure travel documents are current and accessible, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for updates, and always carry a charged cell phone.
The U.S. Embassy can be contacted by phone at +94-11-202-8500 or through their website at https://lk.usembassy.gov/. Additional resources include the State Department’s Consular Affairs numbers 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444.