Ditwah relief donations rise to Rs. 4.29 b

Saturday, 20 December 2025 00:35 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

North America largest source of donations, followed by Australia, China, the UK, Germany, and Bhutan, Italy, the UAE, Canada, New Zealand, Maldives, Saudi Arabia, France, and South Korea

Treasury Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma yesterday provided an update on post-disaster relief funding following Cyclone Ditwa, which caused widespread flooding and landslides across several districts.

He said total donations received by the Treasury had increased to Rs. 4,286 million as of yesterday.

The total comprises Rs. 4,263 million in direct rupee deposits and Rs. 23 million received in foreign currencies, translating to an equivalent of $ 13.86 million. Foreign currency donations alone have exceeded $ 6 million.

The funds have been contributed by Sri Lankan entrepreneurs, businesses, overseas Sri Lankans and international well-wishers. North America ranked as the largest source of donations, followed by Australia, China, the UK, Germany, Bhutan, Italy, the UAE, Canada, New Zealand, Maldives, Saudi Arabia, France, and South Korea.

Dr. Suriyapperuma said multilateral institutions including the World Bank, IMF and other development partners were considering additional assistance to support rebuilding efforts, with details to be shared once finalised.

All cash donations have been formally recorded by the Treasury in line with Government accounting procedures, while goods and services received are being tracked by Sri Lanka Customs and distributed through the Disaster Management Centre to affected communities.