Cyclone Ditwah inflicts economic loss three times the tsunami damage

Colombo, Dec. 5 (Daily Mirror) - The economic loss of Cyclone Ditwah is roughly estimated at around US $ 6 to 7 billion - more than three times the damage caused by the 2004 tsunami, an official said yesterday.

Newly appointed Commissioner General of Essential Services Prabath Chandrakeerthi told Daily Mirror this was a rough estimate only, and a proper post-disaster assessment would be carried out later to work out the economic recovery plan.

According to him, the economic damage of the 2004 tsunami was estimated only at US $ 1.5 to 2 billion.

Asked whether the government will alter the 2026 budget and seek fresh engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Mr. Chandrakeerthi said it would be considered only after the proper assessment of the economic loss.

"We have only a rough estimate now," he said.