Impact cases to Industry Disaster Support Centre continue to mount

By Charithya Kumarasiri
The Industry Disaster Support Centre (IDSC) continues to receive impact cases from the enterprises affected by Cyclone Ditwah, with nearly 30,000 cases logged, conveying the widespread impact on the country’s industrial sector.
As of 4:00 p.m. on December 16, the IDSC has recorded a total of 29,649 inquiries, of which 9,628 were pertaining to manufacturing enterprises, highlighting the sector’s particular vulnerability to the cyclone’s disruption.
Micro-scale industries continue to represent the largest share of the affected businesses, with 12,300 inquiries, equivalent to 41.49 percent of the total. Small-scale enterprises follow closely, accounting for 9,844 cases (33.20 percent), while medium-scale industries recorded 6,644 inquiries (22.41 percent). Large-scale enterprises make up the smallest portion, with 861 cases reported.
Regarding recovery, the IDSC notes that 3,851 enterprises (44 percent) of those assessed, have already resumed operations. Another 2,295 businesses (26 percent) are expected to restart within 14 days and 1,705 enterprises (20 percent) anticipate resuming activities within a month. 
Meanwhile, 691 businesses (8 percent) face longer recovery timelines, with operations likely to take more than three months to recommence, due to the extensive damage and ongoing operational challenges.