CRBC News
Culture
Society
Security
Health
Conflict
Science
Technology
Politics
Environment
Lifestyle
Economy

Sri Lanka Seeks $6–7bn to Rebuild After Cyclone Ditwah as Death Toll Reaches 465

Sri Lanka estimates it will need about $6–7 billion to rebuild after Cyclone Ditwah, which has killed at least 465 people and left 366 unaccounted for following floods and landslides. The government is providing emergency cash—25,000 rupees for cleanup and up to 2.5 million rupees for those who lost homes—and has declared a state of emergency. More than 1.5 million people have been affected and around 200,000 are sheltering in state facilities. Officials have appealed for international aid as recovery and reconstruction get under way.

01:14 PM, 12/03/2025Environment
Sri Lanka Seeks $6–7bn to Rebuild After Cyclone Ditwah as Death Toll Reaches 465

Sri Lankan officials say the recovery from Cyclone Ditwah will require roughly $6–7 billion to rebuild homes, factories and roads after record rains and storm-related flooding left at least 465 people dead and hundreds missing.

Hopes were fading for the 366 people still unaccounted for following widespread mudslides and flash floods that struck communities across the island last week.

Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Commissioner-General of Essential Services, who is leading the recovery effort, said: "Our initial estimate is that we will need about six to seven billion dollars for the reconstruction."

Chandrakeerthi added that the government is providing 25,000 rupees (about $81) to each affected family to help clean and salvage their homes. Families that lost their homes completely will be eligible for up to 2.5 million rupees (roughly $8,100) in assistance.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared a state of emergency and appealed for international support, saying foreign aid will be essential as Sri Lanka continues to recover from its severe economic crisis three years ago.

"We were just coming out of the economic crisis when we were hit by this disaster, which is the biggest challenge faced by any government," Dissanayake told senior officials.

In April 2022 Sri Lanka defaulted on about $46 billion in external debt after running out of foreign currency to pay for critical imports. The country later secured a $2.9 billion IMF bailout; the fund says the economy has stabilised but stresses the need to continue reforms and maintain fiscal discipline.

Authorities report that more than 1.5 million people have been affected nationwide, with roughly 200,000 sheltering in state-run facilities. Floodwaters in the capital, Colombo, were receding after heavy weekend flooding, though some communities in the central hill country remain cut off while roads and communications are being restored.

Despite the devastation in many areas, a luxury cruise liner docked at Colombo port on Tuesday. Officials said the arrival is intended to reassure tourists that parts of Sri Lanka are safe and open as recovery efforts proceed.

Relief operations are ongoing: emergency teams are clearing access routes, restoring services and coordinating with humanitarian partners to assess needs and plan the long-term reconstruction effort.

Similar Articles

Trending