Sri Lanka receives humanitarian aid from 22 countries, WFP after Cyclone Ditwah

Sri Lanka has received humanitarian assistance from 22 foreign countries and the World Food Programme (WFP) to support communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah, the Defence Ministry said. 

To ensure the proper management, coordination, and effective distribution of foreign relief supplies among the affected population, the President established the High-Level Committee for Foreign Relief Aid (Supplies) Coordination (HL-FRAC). 

The Committee, chaired by Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), has convened on several occasions and taken decisive measures to ensure complete transparency and maximum efficiency throughout the relief operations. Accordingly, all foreign assistance arriving in the country through airports and seaports is being securely and systematically stored at the Orugodawatta Warehouse Complex. The mechanism to distribute these supplies in a timely and efficient manner to disaster-affected communities across the island has now been further strengthened through the National Disaster Relief Services Centre (NDRSC). 

The sixth session of the Committee was held on December 30 at the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) premises. During the meeting, media personnel were briefed on the foreign humanitarian assistance received as well as the services rendered by foreign relief teams involved in disaster response efforts. 

Relief assistance received includes essential food items, medicines, and a range of key technical equipment used for disaster management operations. The international community has also provided specialised civil engineering equipment, including bridge restoration resources, along with vehicles required for transportation and logistics. 

In addition, special tents and protective shelters have been supplied to provide safe temporary accommodation for those who have lost their homes.