More than 3,000 affected hotel rooms already restored.

Sri Lanka's tourism leaders today pledged to bounce back aggressively to restore the industry that was growing at record levels before last Sunday's Tsunami.

"First we saw amazing acts of human kindness from Sri Lankans from all walks of life. Amidst the most staggering grief, I heard so many stories of our people reaching out to touch the lives of our foreign visitors. In so many different ways, Sri Lankans displayed their true hospitable nature" said Mr Udaya Nanayakkara, the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourist Board.

"Now there has been an incredible show of unity from all levels of our tourism industry, a determination to bounce back and put tourism on the road to recovery.

"A healthy tourism industry will be the key to the recovery of our economy, the rebuilding of our nation," he added.

"We have already seen operations restored at more than half of the affected hotels, restoring more than 3,000 of the 5,600 hotel rooms affected by the waves.

"This has meant that we can supply food, shelter, clean drinking water and sanitation to many in the affected areas, greatly lessening the chances of disease."

Tourism is Sri Lanka's fourth largest source of foreign revenue. It directly benefits more than 200,000 people and contributes about US$400 million per year in foreign earnings.

Before last Sunday's Tsunami, the country was on track to achieve record tourist arrivals of 575,000 visitors this year.

Aitken Spence, one Sri Lanka's largest listed travel groups is optimistic about the future of tourism.

Mr Gehan Perera, who heads Aitken Spence Travels, said: "We in the tourism industry have pledged to get the tourism plant back on track as fast as possible and do our best to get the industry functioning and the economy moving in the right direction for the benefit of the masses in Sri Lanka."

"It is important that the industry gets back on track fast to lighten the burden on people who depend on tourism for the livelihoods," he added.

From one of the country's smallest independent operators, the luxury Taru Villas in Bentota, Director Leana Pieris urged everyone in the industry to work together "to have plans and strategies to guide people in the huge challenge ahead".

Concluded tourism chief, Mr Nanayakkara: "One of the most heartwarming effects of this tragedy has been the attitude of our foreign visitors.

"A large number have refused to leave the country. They have insisted on traveling on to the interior where there is some of the most unique attractions in the world, including six world heritage sites.

"Others have vowed to return as soon as they can, not least to experience the warm hospitality that has eased the pain of the past few days."