UN, partners conclude Ditwah emergency response as recovery bill rises to $ 3.4 b

UN Resident Coordinator  in Sri Lanka Marc-André Franche

Commissioner General  of Essential Services Prabath Chandrakeerthi

The UN yesterday formally concluded its emergency humanitarian response to Cyclone Ditwah, saying international partners had delivered critical assistance to 575,000 of Sri Lanka’s most vulnerable people while warning that the country’s recovery and reconstruction challenge is only beginning, with estimated needs reaching $ 3.4 billion.

The conclusion of the Humanitarian Priorities Plan (HPP) marks the end of the emergency phase of one of the largest disaster responses mounted in Sri Lanka in recent years following Cyclone Ditwah, which struck the island in December 2025 and triggered widespread flooding and landslides across all 25 districts.

At the height of the disaster, more than 2.2 million people were affected, including an estimated 522,000 children. The disaster claimed over 640 lives, while 173 people remained missing as of January 2026.

Launched on 11 December 2025 at the request of the Sri Lankan Government, the HPP coordinated international assistance to address urgent humanitarian needs identified through joint assessments conducted with Government agencies.

The UN said the response successfully mobilised $ 28.5 million in donor contributions against a funding target of $ 35.3 million, enabling assistance to be concentrated in some of the worst-affected districts, including Badulla, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, and Kegalle.

The humanitarian effort was supported by a broad coalition of international donors, including Australia, the US, Japan, the EU, Norway, Canada, the UK, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland, and the UN Central Emergency Response Fund.

In addition to direct funding, more than 20 countries provided bilateral support, while 19 countries deployed search-and-rescue teams, technical experts, or in-kind assistance.

The UN noted that the HPP was designed to complement Government-led relief efforts rather than replace them. Assistance included emergency cash transfers, transitional shelters, water and sanitation services, and support for displaced households.

A total of 83 partner organisations worked alongside the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Disaster Management Centre, National Disaster Relief Services Centre, Commissioner General of Essential Services, and other Government agencies to coordinate the response.

Commissioner General of Essential Services Prabath Chandrakeerthi said the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated action between national authorities and international partners.

“When national leadership is strong, when local ownership is respected, and when partnerships are effective, we can deliver help more quickly, more fairly, and more efficiently to those who need it most,” he said.

UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka Marc-André Franche said the response highlighted both international solidarity and the resilience of affected communities.

“Sri Lanka did not face this terrible disaster alone. From the very first days, humanitarian partners and the Government worked shoulder to shoulder, from the national level to the most affected villages,” he said.

Despite the conclusion of emergency operations, the UN warned that substantial recovery challenges remain.

According to the Government’s Post-Disaster Needs Assessment, resilient recovery and reconstruction requirements are estimated at $ 3.4 billion. Around 113,000 homes were damaged or destroyed, with women, children, plantation communities, and informal-sector workers among the hardest hit.

The UN noted that many affected families remain displaced and continue to face challenges relating to permanent housing, land ownership, and livelihood restoration.

While emergency operations have ended, the UN said it would continue supporting the Government’s longer-term recovery efforts, including housing, community rebuilding, and resilience programs.

The organisation also described Cyclone Ditwah as a reminder of the growing risks posed by climate change and the need for greater investment in disaster preparedness and resilience as extreme weather events become more frequent and severe across the region.