Do local operators book international flights?

Generally, Sri Lankan inbound tour operators don't book international flights; they tend to focus only on ground arrangements, hotels, and domestic logistics. If you buy your flights yourself, in most cases you can get better rates, and you also have direct say over airline management.

When you keep your airfare apart from the ground tour, you can stay more flexible with frequent flyer miles, and you manage international flight cancellations straight with the carrier. The agency will only need your confirmed arrival and departure times so they can synchronise the airport transfers accordingly.