Cyclone Ditwah hits Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_ Cyclone Ditwah hit Sri Lanka’s eastern coast on November 28, leaving a path of devastation that has shaken the country. The storm has been described as one of the most deadly environmental disasters in Sri Lanka’s modern history. According to reports, 635 individuals have died, while 192 remain missing. About 1.76 million people have been affected. Over 5,300 homes were destroyed, and another 81,000 suffered partial damage. Around 22,000 families, roughly 69,800 people, remain in 690 safety centers across the country, relying entirely on humanitarian assistance.
The UN claims that 1.1 million hectares, or 20% of Sri Lanka, were inundated. Landslides wrecked roads and bridges, damaging more than 16,000 kilometers of highways, over 278 kilometers of railroads, and submerging 480 bridges. Vulnerable populations, including 1.2 million women, 522,000 children, and 263,000 older adults, remain in urgent need of support.
Sri Lanka faces a crisis beyond control
Sri Lanka was already struggling to recover from debt and political instability when Cyclone Ditwah struck. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake described the situation as a crisis beyond the country’s control, calling for international attention to the vulnerabilities of debt-burdened nations facing climate disasters. “The damage may surpass anything our island has endured,” he said. “We must rebuild while managing existing debts, which underscores the need for new frameworks to help climate-vulnerable nations.” The storm displaced over 20,000 people and caused billions of dollars in damage. Critics have questioned the government’s reaction, resulting in a reassessment of disaster management procedures. The president emphasized the importance of preparation, warning that future climatic disasters may cause similar devastation.
Relief measures underway
Authorities and humanitarian groups are working around the clock to give the essential aid. Shelters, food, clean water, and medical aid are being provided to displaced residents. The government has set up accounts for both local and foreign donations, encouraging Sri Lankans overseas and international partners to contribute. A supplementary allocation of Rs. 73 million has been released to meet immediate relief needs. Reconstruction efforts for roads, railways, and bridges are projected to exceed Rs. 400 million, with rebuilding expected to continue into 2027.
Compensation for victims
President Dissanayake announced a range of financial support measures. Families moving back to houses will receive Rs. 25,000 per month for three months, while displaced families in camps will receive Rs. 50,000. One-time grants of Rs. 50,000 will be given to households to purchase essential items, and up to Rs. 5 million will be allocated to rebuild destroyed homes. Additional benefits include assistance with partially damaged houses, agricultural losses, livestock farms, and small enterprises. Students affected by the cyclone will also get funding to complete their studies. These efforts are intended to stabilize impacted households and swiftly reestablish livelihoods.
President launches ‘Rebuild Sri Lanka’ Project
The government has initiated a comprehensive national recovery effort under the “Rebuild Sri Lanka” project. Preliminary estimates for rebuilding key roads and bridges total Rs. 190 billion. The Cabinet authorized the formation of the Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund, a statutory fund overseen by the Presidential Secretariat. Local and international contributors can make donations in a variety of currencies, allowing for broader global engagement. This fund will bring together the public and private sectors to rebuild infrastructure, assist communities, and stabilize the economy. The initiative demonstrates Sri Lanka’s commitment to transparency and effective recovery management.
Global assistance rushes to Sri Lanka
The world community reacted promptly to Sri Lanka’s disaster, offering emergency aid, financial assistance, and technical support. Countries, international organizations, and expatriate communities have banded together to help rebuild lives.
India
India has led the relief efforts, supplying humanitarian aid using naval and aircraft assets as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sympathy with Sri Lanka and pledged continued assistance for rescue, relief, and recovery. Indian assistance has included emergency supplies given by INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri, with further deployments expected.
Pakistan
Pakistan Navy Ship PNS Saif delivered humanitarian supplies to flood-affected people. More relief, including rescue troops, is planned in the following days.
China
China contributed RMB 10 million in humanitarian goods and $1 million in cash contributions. Chinese enterprises and citizens in Sri Lanka contributed further support. The Red Cross Society of China gave $100,000 to support continuing relief operations, and technical help is being provided to rebuild essential infrastructure.
Tamil Nadu
The Tamil Nadu government sent 300 tons of emergency material, which included sugar, beans, and milk powder. To assist with rapid recovery, Indian Navy ships provided supplies to the impacted areas in Sri Lanka.
United States
The United States delivered 20,000 polysacks to reinforce embankments, along with generators, tents, water bins, and cooking stoves. Additional relief teams and supplies are scheduled to arrive soon.
Australia
Australia sent high-nutrition biscuits and pledged AUD 1 million for emergency response and early recovery.
Nepal
Nepal provided $200,000 to the humanitarian efforts.
Japan
Japan sent emergency supplies such as tents and blankets, as well as an emergency medical team to check health requirements. Medical gifts included necessary medications for emergency care.
United Kingdom and Canada
Both countries contributed to international relief efforts, with emphasis on housing, water, sanitation, and hygiene services.
UAE
The UAE provided C-17 Globemaster planes with food, tents, blankets, and other supplies. Multiple cargoes have arrived to help with rescue and recovery. Financial contributions from UAE-based firms and people have also helped the national recovery fund.
Maldives, Bhutan, Switzerland, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and the European Union
These nations sent funding, food, rescue troops, medical supplies, and technological aid. Switzerland dispatched a rescue team to assist with water filtering and cleaning, while Bhutan contributed $200,000 to the recovery effort. The EU expressed its willingness to assist with disaster response operations. Bangladesh and Myanmar sent critical supplies such as tents, food, and medical equipment.
Global Institutions supporting recovery
International organizations have played a major role in coordinating relief and early recovery efforts.
The United Nations
The United Nations continues to assist Sri Lankan authorities, focusing on food security, shelter, health, water, sanitation, and protection for vulnerable communities. Organizations such as WFP, UNICEF, WHO, and OCHA are actively providing help and coordinating global operations.
USAID
The United States Agency for International Development provided emergency relief supplies, food aid, and livelihood support.
WHO & UNICEF
WHO funded $175,000 to keep health services running, while UNICEF provided clean water, hygiene kits, and restored water infrastructure in impacted areas.
IOM
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) provided shelter, non-food goods, and technical assistance to the Sri Lankan Disaster Management Centre to aid community recovery.
WFP
The World Food Programme (WFP) is distributing fortified biscuits, water tanks, generators, and submersible pumps to disaster-affected communities for nutrition and operational support.
World Bank
The World Bank is conducting post-disaster assessments to guide medium- and long-term recovery planning for housing, infrastructure, and services.
Asia-Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management
A-PAD Sri Lanka coordinates private sector engagement in disaster management, working with over 700 companies and 100 NGOs to support national recovery efforts.
UNHCR
Protection clusters ensure that the safety and needs of women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities are met, addressing gender-based and child protection concerns.
IMF
The International Monetary Fund is prioritizing a $200 million Rapid Financing Instrument to assist Sri Lanka, complementing existing financial programs and supporting national recovery.
UNDP
UNDP collaborates with the government and communities to provide immediate relief and early recovery interventions for the most affected populations.
Sri Lankan diaspora steps up
Over 19,000 overseas Sri Lankans have contributed to the Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund, sending nearly LKR 700 million from 33 countries. Diplomatic missions worldwide assisted in collecting funds and delivering essential supplies, ensuring aid reaches affected families promptly. Contributions from the diaspora complemented international assistance.
Businesses and enterprises support relief
Local businesses and financial institutions have also mobilized support. People’s Leasing & Finance PLC and subsidiaries launched nationwide relief efforts under “Rising Stronger, Rebuilding Together.” The Sri Lanka Banks Association pledged support to revive the economy. Chinese enterprises contributed LKR 19.5 million, while the Central Bank implemented measures to assist individuals and firms affected by Cyclone Ditwah. Global companies like Starlink provided free connectivity in affected regions. UAE-based Lulu Group and other expatriate associations contributed financial aid to support ongoing recovery efforts.
Sri Lanka thanks the world
The government of Sri Lanka expressed deep gratitude to all countries, organizations, and communities that have offered support. International cooperation remains vital as the country works to rebuild homes, livelihoods, and essential infrastructure. With widespread devastation, the island is appealing for further assistance. Contributions may be sent to the accounts below. Donations, whether from within Sri Lanka or abroad, and in any currency, may be made to the following Bank of Ceylon account:
Account Name: Deputy Secretary to the Treasury
Account Number: 2026450
Bank: Bank of Ceylon, Taprobane Branch
Swift Code: BCEYLKLX
