Ditwah: two months on, Govt not yet ready with needs assessment

The World Bank estimated the damage at US$4.1 billion. However, the replacement cost is expected to be much higher  

By Kelum Bandara

The government is still in the process of completing the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA), despite the lapse of two months since Cyclone Ditwah struck the country, Daily Mirror learns.   

The assessment is required to determine the replacement cost for the rehabilitation of infrastructure damaged by the disaster. Cyclone Ditwah made landfall on November 27, 2025, unleashing rainfall and landslides that caused floods. The country suffered extensive damage to agriculture, irrigation systems, highways, electricity infrastructure, railway lines, and buildings.   

The World Bank estimated the damage at US$4.1 billion. However, the replacement cost is expected to be much higher.   

The government has commenced the PDNA to ascertain the cost, which is required for raising funds. The World Bank, the United Nations, the European Union, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) are providing technical assistance to the Ministry of Finance in this regard.   

A source familiar with the process said the key findings would be ready by the middle of this month. The needs are being assessed under 12 sectors.   

“Then, the government has to decide how to find financing for restoration and rehabilitation work,” the source said.