Minister of Tourism Dr. Abdulla Mausoom has stated the current situation in Sri Lanka may affect the Maldivian tourism industry.
Sri Lanka is struggling to pay for imports of fuel and other goods due to a scarcity of foreign exchange, leading to hours-long power cuts and a shortage of essentials. Street demonstrations against the shortages, triggered by a lack of foreign exchange for imports, began last month but have intensified in recent days, leading to clashes between protesters and police in some instances. Critics say the roots of the economic crisis, the worst in several decades, lie in economic mismanagement by successive governments that amassed huge budget shortfalls and a current account deficit.
Speaking on the escalating situation, Minister Mausoom said Sri Lanka also contributes to the tourism industry of the Maldives. The minister noted that despite the friendly competition between Sri Lanka and the Maldives in the tourism sector, several airlines operate flights to the Maldives via Colombo, adding peace in the neighbouring country will benefit the Maldives as well. Sri Lankan Airlines operates flights regularly to the Maldives although Sri Lanka is in a crisis.