Sri Lanka is contending with the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwa, which passed through the island between November 27th and 28th. The cyclone has caused the worst weather disaster in the island’s recent history. More than 400 people have died due to severe flooding and landslides, with hundreds still missing and thousands displaced. Although disasters of such magnitude are rare in Sri Lanka, the volunteer spirit that unites the nation as one is second nature to us. Blue Lanka Tours has also risen to the occasion by donating two brand new motorboats worth Rs. 2.6 million to the Government of Sri Lanka. We hope the boats contribute to the ongoing rescue and relief efforts.
Why Boats Were Our First Choice?
At a time when access to flooded areas is limited and swift action is critical, these boats serve as vital lifelines, supporting authorities in their rescue and relief efforts. The fibreglass boat and Suzuki 2-stroke outboard boat are designed to handle demanding and challenging operations. The boats were handed over to Major General Sampath Kotuwegoda, the Director General of Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre.
Flooding has submerged roads, washed away access routes, and isolated entire communities. Emergency responders need water transport to reach stranded families, deliver food and medical aid, evacuate the vulnerable, and conduct damage assessments. Without boats, many of these life-saving operations would have been delayed and made impossible.
As a responsible tour operator that travels the length and breadth of the country, we understand the terrain and the realities on the ground. Our experience in river safaris, coastal exploration, and off-the-beaten-path travel has given us first-hand insight into how floods transform entire regions.
Moreover, we wanted our contributions to create long-term value. The two boats now remain with government authorities as permanent assets. They can be deployed for future disaster response, routine rescue operations, flood preparedness, and even community transport in vulnerable regions. In this way, we hope the donation continues to save lives well beyond the immediate aftermath of Ditwa.
The Aftermath of the Disaster
More than one million people have been affected by the disaster, and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared a state of emergency. Relief operations, mainly carried out by Sri Lanka’s military, are underway with helicopter rescue and search for the missing. We are also thankful for the humanitarian aid flowing in from foreign governments and non-governmental organisations. These also include field hospitals and medical teams.
A flurry of activism is taking place across the nation. Activists and volunteers have joined forces to collect supplies, deliver them to those affected, and set up relief camps & community kitchens. Sri Lanka has a knack for braving ‘storms’ and standing resilient in the face of adversity. The hearts of our people are bigger than the storms, and Blue Lanka Tours is proud to share in that spirit of giving.
