The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka has announced an additional $2 million in U.S. humanitarian assistance to support communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah, bringing total U.S. assistance for the response to $4 million.

According to a US Embassy statement, this new funding builds on $2 million in U.S. assistance announced in December 2025 within 72 hours of the cyclone’s landfall, underscoring the United States’ commitment to providing timely, effective support to communities impacted by the disaster.

“When Sri Lankans needed support, the United States responded,” said U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung. “From the Department of War early airlift and logistics expertise to $4 million in humanitarian assistance, we are supporting Sri Lanka—a key Indo-Pacific partner—on its path forward after Cyclone Ditwah. Disasters like this disrupt communities and livelihoods, and the United States remains engaged in contributing to stability so people and economies can move forward.”

U.S. assistance is supporting relief and early recovery efforts in some of Sri Lanka’s hardest-hit districts, including Ampara, Badulla, Gampaha, Kegalle, Puttalam, and Ratnapura, as well as estate communities in the Central Province.

The assistance includes emergency food and essential items, such as kitchen sets and hygiene kits, and flood-mitigation materials, such as polysacks for sandbagging. Assistance is also supporting flood-affected communities to access clean drinking water, provide mothers and children with essential nutrition support, and ensure shelters have safe and child-friendly spaces. In flood-affected rural and estate areas, U.S. assistance is also helping communities begin recovery by restoring basic infrastructure, improving drainage and small-scale irrigation, and supporting livelihoods so families can resume local food production and economic activity.

Trusted organizations such as the World Food Programme (WFP) and World Vision are implementing the U.S. assistance to ensure aid reaches affected communities quickly, effectively, and with accountability.

As Sri Lanka looks ahead and continues to assess evolving needs following Cyclone Ditwah, the United States continues to work closely with Sri Lankan authorities to explore ways to support emerging priorities. (Newswire)

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The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Riyadh dispatched the third shipment of 40-foot container relief items worth USD 19,000 last week (08 Jan) to support the ongoing relief efforts undertaken by the Government of Sri Lanka for the benefit of victims of Cyclone Ditwah, which recently devastated parts of Sri Lanka. 

According to the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Riyadh, the shipment was officially handed over by the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Ameer Ajwad, to the Country Manager of Trico Cargo, Andrew Sinnan, at the Trico warehouse in Riyadh for onward shipment to Sri Lanka. 

Ambassador Ameer Ajwad expressed his sincere appreciation to Trico Cargo for its generous support in transporting the relief consignments on a complimentary basis, demonstrating its commitment to social responsibility beyond commercial interests. 

Responding to an appeal made by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Riyadh, a large number of Sri Lankan community members residing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia donated essential items, including dry rations, clothing, stationery items, and sanitary napkins for women, and other essentials to be dispatched to Sri Lanka for distribution among the victims of the Ditwah natural calamity. 

Sri Lankan expatriates and well-wishers also made financial contributions amounting to a sum of USD 80,000 to the “Nation Building Fund” to support recovery and reconstruction efforts in Sri Lanka.

Last month, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Riyadh dispatched one consignment of essential items valued at USD 11,000 and another consignment consisting of 8 high-capacity tower light generators valued at USD 43,000 donated by Energia LLC, to the Disaster Management Centre in Sri Lanka.

Ambassador Ameer Ajwad extended his sincere gratitude to all members of the Sri Lankan community in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as all well-wishers, for their outstanding generosity and solidarity during this time of national need, standing together with the victims of this devastating natural disaster. (Newswire)

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Qatar Charity, with funding from the Qatar Fund for Development and support from the Qatari Embassy in Sri Lanka, has launched a Rs. 55 million emergency relief initiative to aid communities hit by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka.

The project includes the distribution of food baskets containing essential dry goods and canned items targeting 1,800 displaced families, as well as the provision of search and rescue equipment to strengthen local disaster response capabilities in partnership with the Disaster Management Centre.

The Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Sri Lanka, Ali bin Salem Al Nuaimi and Mahmoud Abukhalifa, country director, Qatar Charity-Sri Lanka, graced the launching ceremony held in Mabola recently (06 Dec), alongside local community leaders.

“These urgent interventions reflect Qatar Charity’s mission to support vulnerable families worldwide, regardless of race or religion, and reaffirm Qatar’s commitment to humanitarian solidarity,” Director of Qatar Charity’s Sri Lanka Office, Mahmoud Abu Khalifa, stated, addressing the gathering.

Qatar Charity continues to play a leading role in humanitarian efforts in Sri Lanka, having previously delivered emergency aid, agricultural support, medical assistance, and social relief to thousands of affected families. (Newswire)

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The Mayor of Colombo, Vraîe Cally Balthazaar, says the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) has extended its relief work to Kolonnawa.

Vraîe Cally Balthazaar said that as the areas most affected by Ditwah in Colombo city are nearing normalcy, the CMC team continues working in Kolonnawa too.

“The devastation in our neighbouring city is vast, affecting 42 of the 46 GN divisions. Today is Day 5 for us. Our teams, machinery, our council members, everyone has been doing their part to help in the clean-up operation,” she said in a statement.

Vraîe Cally Balthazaar further said that it is likely that the CMC will be supporting them for many more weeks to come, along with the other local government councils from the Colombo district.

“This is a massive collective effort. House by house, street by street, ward by ward, we will rebuild,” she added. (Newswire)

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Under the government’s urgent relief program aimed at reviving the economy disrupted by the recent adverse weather conditions, the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development has decided to grant Rs. 200,000 to every industry impacted by the disaster, to help them restart operations.

According to a ministry statement, industrialists registered with the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, as well as those registered under institutions functioning under the ministry, including the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), Industrial Development Board (IDB), National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA), Small Enterprise Development Division (SED), National Productivity Secretariat (NPS), National Crafts Council (NCC), and National Design Centre (NDC), are eligible to receive this Rs. 200,000 grant.

Applications for this grant can be submitted by industry owners either through the website www.industry.gov.lk or via entrepreneurship development officers, small enterprise development officers, export development officers, and productivity promotion officers stationed at District and Divisional Secretariats.

In addition, to facilitate the rebuilding of industries affected by Cyclone Ditwah, the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development has introduced a mechanism to collect data on such industries. For this purpose, the ministry has provided the telephone number 071-2666660 and requested affected industrialists to promptly share relevant information.

This information must be submitted before 2:00 pm on December 16, either through www.industry.gov.lk or via https://aid.floodsupport.org/business-impact. Necessary assistance can also be obtained from ministry officials stationed at Divisional and District Secretariats.

The ministry expects that by gathering this information, it will be able to coordinate and provide the required support to rebuild all industries affected by the disaster. (Newswire)

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The Indian National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team departed Sri Lanka today after completing Operation Sagar Bandhu, following disasters due to Cyclone Ditwah. 

According to the Sri Lanka Air Force, working alongside the Sri Lankan military, the Indian NDRF team reached deep-flooded areas, delivered essential aid, and supported affected communities. 

In a post on social media, SLAF extended its heartfelt appreciation for their dedicated assistance.

In response to the urgent humanitarian crisis in Sri Lanka, India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu, a rapid relief mission aimed at delivering food, medicines, rescue support, and essential supplies to communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment has set up an emergency disaster response unit to assist families of Sri Lankan migrant workers and others abroad, in light of the current disaster situation in the country.

This unit was established under the directives of Minister Vijitha Herath, with Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra also instructing the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) to provide immediate relief to the migrant worker community.

Due to practical challenges in delivering emergency aid, the SLBFE has allocated up to Rs. 15,000 per family registered with the Bureau. Families can use this allowance to purchase essential goods from local shops, based on their preference. A circular has been issued to facilitate this process, according to Bureau Chairman Kosala Wickramasinghe.

A special program has also been launched to provide compensation for damages caused by the disaster. Under this scheme, information on affected migrant worker families must be collected and submitted by Provincial Senior Managers to the Bureau’s Deputy General Manager (Social Development), in line with the conditions outlined in the circular.

To assist children of migrant workers, the SLBFE has introduced a program to provide school books and supplies. Each child in need will receive material assistance up to Rs. 10,000, ensuring their education continues despite the disaster.

As part of immediate relief measures, migrant worker families are also eligible for up to Rs. 7,000 in aid for purchasing essential medicines.

Affected migrant workers abroad can share their family details with the SLBFE through the hotline 1989 or via WhatsApp at +94 719802822. (Newswire)

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The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce says all funds originally allocated for social activities in the Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit 2025 will be allocated to support relief efforts in Sri Lanka, following Cyclone Ditwah. 

Addressing the summit, Chairperson of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Krishan Balendra, said that continuing with the summit in this revised format is essential to fostering the collaboration, investment, and policy dialogue needed to drive an effective and inclusive recovery.

He further said that the Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit was originally designed as a platform to advance economic growth and investment, but, in light of the recent disaster and the need to rebuild, the Board of the Chamber was of the view that it was necessary to move ahead with the summit, but with even greater meaning. 

The summit now serves as an essential forum to collectively reflect on the road to recovery, discuss strategies to strengthen national resilience, and reaffirm our shared commitment to rebuilding a stronger and more stable Sri Lanka. Our priority is to support the country’s recovery and the restoration of communities and livelihoods. The private sector has a critical role to play in this effort, and we remain steadfast in mobilizing our networks and resources to contribute meaningfully to long-term resilience and sustainable development, he said. 

Full statement : 

It is my great pleasure to warmly welcome you to the flagship event of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce –  the Sri Lanka Economic & Investment Summit.

Ladies and gentlemen, before we begin today’s proceedings, it is important that we pause to acknowledge the grave impact of Cyclone Ditwah, which has brought immense devastation across several parts of our country over the past days. We mourn the tragic loss of lives, and we stand with the thousands of families who have been displaced from their homes and whose livelihoods have been disrupted. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their loved ones, and all those who are still recovering from the aftermath of this disaster.

In the wake of this national crisis, the Chamber together with the generous support of our members have been working closely with Government agencies to coordinate urgent relief efforts. The unwavering resilience of Sri Lankans is evident in moments such as these. It is a pivotal time for the nation to come together, pooling our collective strength to restore lives, livelihoods, and stability.

The Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit was originally designed as a platform to advance economic growth and investment. In light of the recent disaster and the need to rebuild, the Board of the Chamber was of the view it was necessary in moving ahead with the summit but with even greater meaning. The summit now serves as an essential forum to collectively reflect on the road to recovery, discuss strategies to strengthen national resilience, and reaffirm our shared commitment to rebuilding a stronger and more stable Sri Lanka. Our priority is to support the country’s recovery and the restoration of communities and livelihoods. The private sector has a critical role to play in this effort, and we remain steadfast in mobilizing our networks and resources to contribute meaningfully to long-term resilience and sustainable development.

We will donate all funds originally allocated for social activities in the summit to support relief efforts. We believe that continuing with the summit in this revised format is essential to fostering the collaboration, investment, and policy dialogue needed to drive an effective and inclusive recovery.

This Summit is one of the most anticipated events on Sri Lanka’s corporate calendar, and it is a privilege for the Chamber to host this landmark gathering for the 25th consecutive year, since its inception in 2000. This year, we are proud to expand its scope by explicitly integrating the investment dimension, recognising that attracting sustainable and high-quality investment is central to Sri Lanka’s long-term economic transformation.

Accordingly, our theme this year — “Gateway to Growth: Asia’s Emerging Opportunity” — reflects both Sri Lanka’s potential and our collective aspiration to position the country more strongly within a rapidly evolving regional landscape.

We are deeply encouraged by the strong participation of over 800 delegates. We are extremely encouraged by the participation of over 100 foreign delegates and investors, thank you for travelling to Colombo to be with us. We know many of you are eager to gain deeper insights into Sri Lanka’s economic trajectory, reform progress, sectoral opportunities, and partnership potential. We hope that the conversations over the next two days will be productive, insightful, and inspiring.

Sri Lanka today stands on a clear and credible path of economic revival. After a period of immense challenge, we now see:

1. steady, broad-based growth,
2. a resurgence in exports, tourism, remittances, and investment,
3. fiscal consolidation and reforms that have restored stability,
4. completion of domestic debt restructuring,
5. inflation brought firmly under control, and
6. renewed confidence returning to markets and consumers alike.

International partners have also recognised this progress.

• Former IMF First Deputy Managing Director Gita Gopinath recently described Sri Lanka’s recovery as a “stand-out experience” and “remarkable progress within a short period.”
• The World Bank, in its latest Public Finance Review, emphasised that the scale and speed of Sri Lanka’s fiscal adjustment stand out “by historical and international standards.”

These reforms are translating into real activity on the ground, with growth now approaching 5% of GDP, underpinned by stronger investor sentiment.

For investors, the message is clear: Sri Lanka is once again open, stable, and ready for business. Our strategic location at the crossroads of the Indian Ocean — a short distance from India — positions us uniquely as a gateway to South Asia and the broader region.

Over the next two days, this Summit will:

• examine the macroeconomic outlook for Sri Lanka in the coming years;
• draw lessons from international experiences of countries that have emerged successfully from debt crises and implemented credible growth paths
• spotlight high-growth and high-potential sectors such as tourism, logistics, ports, exports, capital markets manufacturing, and technology;
• and bring together perspectives from global speakers representing Malaysia, Greece, the Netherlands, Australia, India, and many others — alongside leading voices from our multilateral, regional, and local institutions.

We are grateful to all resource persons — especially our moderators — for taking time out of their busy schedules to share their expertise with us.

I also wish to extend my sincere appreciation to our Summit Chair and Committee, for their strategic guidance; and the dedicated Chamber Summit team, who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes, navigating numerous challenges, to ensure the seamless execution of this event. 

As we embark on this 25th edition of the Summit, I extend my best wishes for meaningful dialogue, insightful analysis, and productive networking. May the outcomes of our discussions help shape credible policies, drive interest from our foreign participants into realized investments, and unlock the transformational growth that Sri Lanka urgently needs.

I also hope the Summit inspires both public and private sector leaders to act as reform champions — catalysts for progress, innovation, and long-term prosperity.

Thank you, and I wish you all an enriching and successful Summit. (Newswire)

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Chair of the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group on Sri Lanka, Andrew Snowden, held a discussion with Sri Lankan High Commissioner, Nimal Senadheera, on Tuesday (02 Dec) to discuss the relief and rescue operation in Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah. 

“As Chair of the APPG on Sri Lanka, I offered our cross-party support, and thoughts and prayers for all those impacted.  We discussed the £675k the UK Government is committing to the emergency, and what will be needed in the long-term to rebuild and repair,” he said in a post on ‘X’. 

British MP Andrew Snowden also said that the APPG will work with the Sri Lankan High Commission and the UK Government to ensure that all assistance that can be offered is done as quickly as possible. 

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath has expressed Sri Lanka’s gratitude to the United Kingdom Government for its donation of USD 890,000 to support recovery efforts following the recent adverse weather conditions caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

Minister Herath expressed his appreciation during a meeting with the Acting British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Theresa O’Mahony, yesterday. 

Following the meeting, Theresa O’Mahony said the UK stands in solidarity with Sri Lanka and reaffirmed the country’s support for recovery efforts in Sri Lanka. 

“Our assistance of £675,000 reflects our enduring partnership and friendship with the people of Sri Lanka,” she added in a post on ‘X’. (Newswire)

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Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, Abdulla Khaleel, says the total contribution from the Maldivian government, individuals and private sectors have collectively surpassed USD 1.1 million for disaster-hit Sri Lanka. 

Abdulla Khaleel said Sri Lanka and its people hold a special place in the hearts of Maldivians, and the country remains with Sri Lanka which is confronting the devastating effects of Cyclone Ditwah, including the landslides and flooding that have brought immense hardship across several regions. 

In a letter to Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, he said the Maldives is deeply moved by the resilience and unity demonstrated by the Sri Lankan people throughout this challenging period. 

Reflecting on the close bonds of friendship between our two countries, the Maldivian Public Service Media (PSM) in collaboration with private media organised a telethon – “CeylonaaEkuDhiveheen (Maldivians with Sri Lankans)” which has raised over USD 800,000 in support of the ongoing relief efforts. 

Total contribution from the government, individuals and private sectors have collectively surpassed USD 1.1 million, demonstrating a sincere expression of compassion and solidarity from the Maldivian people to Sri Lanka, he said. 

“The people of Maldives remain confident that, with the strength and determination of the people of Sri Lanka, the country will overcome this adversity and emerge stronger. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration,” the Maldivian Prime Minister added. (Newswire)

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Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced humanitarian assistance for disaster-hit Sri Lanka.

“We are immediately dispatching urgently needed humanitarian assistance to support our Sri Lankan brothers and sisters and will continue to offer whatever help we can, as Sri Lanka recovers from this calamity,” he said in a post on ‘X’. 

PM Sharif announced the relief assistance following a phone call with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake last evening (02 Dec). 

Meanwhile, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry announced that Pakistan has dispatched 200 tons of humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka via sea cargo to support relief efforts following the devastating cyclone Ditwah. 

In a post on ‘X’, the ministry said that a send-off ceremony was held in Islamabad attended by Minister of State for Finance, Bilal Azhar Kayani, and High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Pakistan, Rear Admiral (Rtd) Fred Senevirathne. (Newswire) 

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The International Organization for Migration (IOM) says it is expanding its support to Sri Lanka’s appeal for international aid as the death toll from Cyclone Ditwah has risen to more than 350, with over 360 more reported missing. 

Issuing a statement, the IOM said that Sri Lanka has declared a state of emergency as severe flooding, landslides, and damage to infrastructure have affected nearly 1 million people and displaced over 209,000 individuals.

“The people of Sri Lanka have not seen such widespread destruction in years,” said Kristin Parco, IOM Chief of Mission in Sri Lanka. “Communities have been uprooted, and many families are now sheltering in overcrowded, temporary spaces while facing immense uncertainty. We are entering a critical phase of this emergency, and mobilizing humanitarian assistance is essential to reduce the suffering of those displaced by Cyclone Ditwah and to ensure their safety, dignity, and access to basic services during this difficult time.”

IOM teams are on the ground strengthening the emergency response by providing non-food items, shelter, and other critical supplies, in close coordination with the Sri Lankan Disaster Management Centre (DMC), other United Nations agencies, and international partners. To reinforce these efforts, IOM is exploring its local networks and prepositioned goods in nearby countries to ensure efficient and timely distribution of assistance, particularly as access challenges continue to emerge in flood-affected and remote areas.

The priority for the next 48 hours to one week will remain search-and-rescue operations and providing urgent humanitarian relief to remote areas and hard-to-reach populations. IOM is also supporting authorities through volunteer deployments, coordination assistance, and joint needs assessments to ensure accurate and timely information for response planning.

Tropical Cyclone Ditwah has inundated all 25 districts of Sri Lanka with 150–500 mm of continuous heavy rainfall and winds reaching 70–90 km/h over three days. Power outages, major road blockages, and significant disruptions to communications networks have been reported across the country. 

Several high-risk areas, including the districts of Batticaloa, Ampara, Puttalam, Polonnaruwa, Gampaha, Badulla, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Matale, and Colombo, have been placed on red alert, with the highest number of people affected and emergency evacuation orders issued for communities along vulnerable river basins and landslide-prone slopes. The storm made landfall on 28 November and caused some of the most severe flooding the country has experienced in nearly two decades. 

IOM urges the public to continue following official advisories and to remain prepared for further flooding, landslides, strong winds, extended power outages, and possible disruptions to essential services as Cyclone Ditwah’s impacts continue. (Newswire)

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INS Sukanya, the lead vessel of the Sukanya-class patrol vessels of the Indian Navy, has entered Sri Lankan waters with necessary relief materials.

In a post on ‘X”, Minister of External Affairs of India, S. Jaishankar said INS Sukanya has entered Trincomalee with relief materials.

The relief materials are part of Operation Sagar Bandhu, which was launched by India to bolster relief efforts in Sri Lanka, in  the wake of Cyclone Ditwah.

According to Minister Jaishankar, over 27 tonnes of relief material have been delivered by air and sea to Colombo. 

Two Urban Search and Rescue Teams comprising 80 National Disaster Response Force Personnel have also been sent to Sri Lanka. (Newswire)

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Cabinet approval has been granted to continue with the government programme to provide relief to low-income families in 2024 as well.

In the first half of 2023, the government took steps to provide 10 kilos of nadu rice per family for a period of two months covering 2.74 million families in the 25 districts, including Samurdhi beneficiaries.

In order to help maintain the nutritional level of the identified low-income earners, it has been found that it is advisable to implement the same program this year as well. 

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the President to provide 10 kgs of rice per family per month for a period of two months covering about 2.74 million low-income families.

As per the proposal, low-income families are to be identified through district secretaries/Government Agents by involving small and medium-scale mill owners. (NewsWire)

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