World Bank repurposes US$120Mn for emergency support to Sri Lanka

Commends the remarkable resilience shown by Sri Lankans in the face of this disaster

Assistance aims to support recovery and restore essential services

In response to the Government’s request, the World Bank is making up to US$120 million in emergency support available by repurposing funds from ongoing projects, according to a statement from it. 

The World Bank Group is deeply saddened by the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka. Our thoughts are with the people who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods, and with the communities now facing immense hardship. We commend the remarkable resilience shown by Sri Lankans in the face of this disaster and the Government’s swift action to save lives and launch recovery efforts, the World Bank said. 

In response to the Government’s request, the World Bank is making up to US$120 million in emergency support available by repurposing funds from ongoing projects. This will support recovery and help restore essential services and infrastructure—including health care, water, education, agriculture, and connectivity—in the areas hit hardest by the cyclone. The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, will continue to strengthen the private sector by providing advisory support and strategic investments in key sectors—such as agriculture, manufacturing and logistics, including support to MSMEs—to create jobs and drive economic recovery. 

To guide recovery efforts, a Global Rapid Post-Disaster Damage Estimation (GRADE) assessment is already underway in partnership with the Global Facility for Disaster Risk Reduction (GFDRR). This rapid assessment will provide credible estimates of disaster impacts to inform early decisions and help target response and recovery efforts. We are also working closely with the Government as it plans the broader recovery, including the creation of the new “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” Fund and the next phase of post-disaster needs assessments. 

“Our hearts go out to every Sri Lankan affected by Cyclone Ditwah. We are inspired by how communities across the country have come together to support each other during this difficult time,” said Gevorg Sargsyan, World Bank Group Country Manager for Sri Lanka and the Maldives. “The World Bank Group is committed to helping Sri Lanka restore livelihoods, accelerate economic recovery, and rebuild stronger, safer, and more resilient communities.”