Industry Disaster Support Centre records over 18,000 inquiries

By Charithya Kumarasiri

The Industry Disaster Support Centre (IDSC) has recorded more than 18,000 inquiries from the affected enterprises in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, highlighting the extensive disruption caused to the country’s industrial sector, particularly manufacturing.

According to the data released by the IDSC, a total of 18,321 inquiries have been received to date, with 6362 cases pertaining to the manufacturing sector, revealing its heightened vulnerability following the cyclone’s impact.

Micro-scale industries account for the largest share of inquiries, with 7510 cases, representing 40.99 percent of the total.

This is followed by small-scale enterprises, with 6256 inquiries (34.15 percent) and medium-scale industries, with 3998 cases (21.82 percent). Large-scale industries comprise the smallest segment, with 557 inquiries. In terms of recovery, the IDSC reports that 2753 enterprises (41 percent) of those assessed have already resumed operations, despite the cyclone-related damage. A further 1942 businesses (29 percent) are expected to restart within 14 days, while 1367 enterprises (20 percent) anticipate resuming operations within a month.  However, 555 businesses (8 percent) are projected to require more than three months to recommence operations, due to the severe damage and ongoing operational challenges caused by Cyclone Ditwah. The figures point to a gradual but steady recovery, particularly among micro and small enterprises, which were among the hardest hit by the cyclone.