Sri Lanka, March 5 -- Sri Lanka tourism, just raising its head after last year's 21/4 terrorist attacks, is now facing what could possibly be the worst evert crisis to hit world tourism ever- The New coronavirus epidemic ( CoVid-19).

There are travel embargos and suspension of airline routes to some of the world's largest tourism source markets including China. While originally there was hope that it would only affect the Chinese outbound market, all such optimistic thoughts are fast receding with over 80 countries now reporting confirmed Covid-19 cases. There seems to be a 'fear of flying ' creeping through the minds of prospective tourists.

Sri Lanka tourism will therefore have to brace itself for another prolonged downturn and someho...