Australia has pledged AUD 500,000 to support urgent humanitarian assistance in Sri Lanka, partnering with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to protect women and girls affected by catastrophic floods and landslides triggered by Cyclone Ditwah. 

The Australian High Commission in Colombo said the funding will reinforce life‑saving sexual and reproductive health services, strengthen gender‑based violence referral systems, and provide psychosocial support across 10 of the hardest‑hit districts.

This initiative supports UNFPA’s emergency appeal of USD 8.3 million and a one-year response plan, which will further the work already undertaken. During the acute response phase, UNFPA has been working closely with affected women, girls, pregnant women, newborns, older women, and women with disabilities, especially through the Australian-funded Regional Prepositioning Initiative to distribute 700 dignity kits, 200 maternity kits and cash assistance to 20 pregnant mothers from vulnerable households.

UNFPA is working in close coordination with the Government of Sri Lanka, including the Ministry of Health and local disaster management units, as well as implementing partners on the ground, such as, Sri Lanka Red Cross Society. 

Planned interventions include mobile health clinics, cash and voucher assistance, restoration of damaged health facilities, and mental health and psychosocial support through strengthened referral pathways.

Julian Hill, Australia’s Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs and International Education, said, “Australia stands with the people of Sri Lanka during this difficult time. Our support through UNFPA will ensure that vulnerable women and girls can access essential health services and protection. Safeguarding dignity and ensuring safety is a priority as communities recover from this disaster.”

Phuntsho Wangyel, UNFPA Officer in Charge for Sri Lanka and Maldives Country Offices, said, “Cyclone Ditwah has severely disrupted access to essential sexual and reproductive health services for thousands of women and girls, while also exposing them to a heightened risk of gender-based violence and exploitation. UNFPA, with the continuous support of the Government of Australia, is scaling up life-saving services, restoring damaged facilities, and providing critical psychosocial support to those in need. Together, we are committed to ensuring that no one is left behind.”

Matthew Duckworth, Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, said, “Australia and Sri Lanka share a strong partnership built on mutual respect and cooperation. In times of crisis, that partnership matters most. By supporting UNFPA’s response, we are helping ensure that vulnerable women and girls receive the care and protection they need to rebuild their lives with dignity.” (Newswire)

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The seventh humanitarian aid plane dispatched by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to support those affected by floods caused by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka has arrived in the country.

The UAE Embassy in Colombo said the UAE continues its support for the friendly people of Sri Lanka through its air bridge and on-ground field operations, committed to helping the nation overcome the aftermath of this disaster. 

​The humanitarian aid provided includes food supplies and shelter materials, bringing the total volume of relief aid delivered to date to 89 tons.

​The UAE has deployed an integrated relief team comprising the Joint Operations Command, the UAE International Aid Agency, the Emirates Red Crescent, and the UAE Search and Rescue Team affiliated with the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority.

​Operational updates confirm that the UAE Search and Rescue Team has successfully recovered 18 bodies of flood victims within its designated operational zone and provided field medical treatment to 8 affected individuals. (Newswire)

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A Pakistan Air Force C-130 aircraft carrying relief cargo and an elite search and rescue team arrived in Sri Lanka last evening (03), following a major relief mobilisation announced by the Government of Pakistan in response to the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka. 

The consignment was formally received by Deputy Minister Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku and handed over by the High Commissioner of Pakistan in Colombo. 

According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of Pakistan, a 47-member specialised Pakistan Army search and rescue unit, along with 6.5 tonnes of essential equipment, was dispatched earlier in the day on the directives of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. 

The relief shipment includes family tents, blankets, quilts, life jackets, inflatable boats, de-watering pumps, lamps, mats, mosquito nets, infant dry milk, ready-to-eat food and essential medicines. NDMA also confirmed that Pakistan Navy ships and helicopters are already engaged in relief operations in Sri Lanka. 

The dispatch ceremony in Islamabad was attended by Pakistan’s Federal Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik, HI (M), and Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Pakistan, Rear Admiral Fred Senevirathne (Rtd). 

Pakistan has widened its support effort following discussions between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Anura Kumara Disanayaka. NDMA has additionally arranged relief shipments through SriLankan Airlines operating between Colombo and Lahore. 

Under special directives from the Prime Minister, Pakistan yesterday sent 200 tonnes of relief supplies by sea, and NDMA is preparing to send temporary bridges from the Pakistan Army to help restore access in heavily affected areas. 

Pakistan has reiterated that it will continue to extend every possible assistance to Sri Lanka as part of its long-standing commitment to humanitarian support and regional solidarity. (Newswire)

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Bangladesh dispatched a humanitarian relief consignment to Sri Lanka this afternoon (03 Dec) to support ongoing recovery efforts following the devastation caused by the recent adverse weather conditions. 

The shipment of relief arrived at 1:00 pm aboard a Bangladesh Air Force C-130 aircraft.

The cargo included 1,000 mosquito nets, 500 food packets, 10 tents and 20 pieces each of torch lights, gum boots, vests, gloves and hats, along with 125 boxes of essential medicines. 

The assistance will be immediately directed to affected communities, further strengthening relief operations in the affected regions.

The cargo was received by Mayuri Perera, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Defence and was formally handed over by Andalib Elias, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Sri Lanka, underscoring the continued solidarity of Bangladesh with Sri Lanka during this challenging period. (Newswire)

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