The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a US$3 million disaster relief grant to assist Sri Lanka’s recovery efforts following Cyclone Ditwah. The funding will support emergency and humanitarian operations across the island.
ADB President Masato Kanda announced the grant following official requests for assistance from the governments of Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam — each of which experienced severe weather events. Thailand and Vietnam will also receive US$2 million each in disaster relief funding.
“I am deeply saddened by the suffering caused by these devastating floods,” Kanda said. “The governments and people of Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Viet Nam can rest assured that ADB will provide assistance to help save lives and rebuild communities.”
The grant is issued through the Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund (APDRF), which offers rapid financial support for life-saving relief in the immediate aftermath of major natural disasters.
Heavy flooding linked to Cyclone Ditwah has caused significant loss of life and widespread damage to homes, infrastructure, and public services in Sri Lanka and other affected nations.
Founded in 1966, ADB is a multilateral development bank owned by 69 members, including 50 from the Asia-Pacific region. The bank supports sustainable and inclusive development across Asia through financial partnerships and infrastructure investment. (Newswire)