Tourism first casualty of attack

Burned out wreckage at the airport

By the BBC's Priyath Liyanage

Tourism to Sri Lanka boomed in the late 1970s and early 80s, thanks mainly to the spectacular beaches on the island's south and east coasts.

But riots throughout the island in 1983 marked a turning point for Sri Lanka, as Tamil Tiger rebels began a fight for independence.

The deaths and chaotic conditions turned the island into a destination only the adventurous would consider.

Fallout

In many instances tourists were victims of the fallout of the fighting, which has led to the deaths of more than 60,000 people.

Tourist coach with bullet hole on airport runway

In 1986, 16 people were killed in an explosion on a plane owned by Air Lanka, then the national carrier.

In 1998, there were many wounded in a lorry bomb explosion in the heart of the tourist area of the capital Colombo.

As the continuing violence took its toll, Sri Lanka became only a transit destination for the masses of western tourists travelling to the sandy havens of the Maldives Islands just off the coast.

Tourists return

Ironically, prior to Tuesday's airport attack, hotels and the rest of the tourism industry were enjoying one of their best years since the civil war began.

According to government figures, tourist numbers for June 2001 were 30% higher than in the previous year.

Government participation in an internationally-mediated peace effort and the unilateral ceasefire called by the rebels had made it possible to market the Island as a safe destination once more.

The Sri Lankan authorities have estimated the economic damage of the airport attack to be US$350 million.

Analysts believe the final figure, including losses in the tourist industry, will be much higher.

This was a well orchestrated attack in the heart of a high security zone aimed at causing heavy military and economic harm.

In addition to the immediate damage done to aircraft and airport installations, it will take Sri Lanka a long time to erase the image of violence and chaos from the minds of potential tourists.

The British Foreign office has advised tourists intending to visit Colombo to "seriously consider postponing their visit until the situation returns to normal".