Deserted beaches, empty rooms: Sri Lanka tourism takes a hit after bombings

Empty sunbathing chairs are seen on a beach near hotels in a tourist area in Bentota, Sri Lanka May 2, 2019. REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte

BENTOTA, Sri Lanka/COLOMBO (Reuters) - Sri Lanka's $4.4 billion tourism industry is reeling from cancellations as travellers shun the sun and sand Indian Ocean island after multiple suicide bombings that killed over 250 people two weeks ago.

Suspected suicide bombers from little-known Islamic groups in Sri Lanka attacked churches and luxury hotels in the country on Easter Sunday, killing worshippers, tourists and their families. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attacks.