Cyclone Ditwah relief: UN plan disburses 75% of USD 35.4 million in Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan authorities said a UN-led fundraising plan for Cyclone Ditwah survivors has paid out most of its funds. The United Nations Humanitarian Priorities Plan, known as the HPP, has disbursed 75 per cent of the more than USD 35 million raised. Officials made the update as the programme reached its end.

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The HPP began after Cyclone Ditwah hit Sri Lanka in November last year. The plan sought USD 35.4 million to help affected communities. Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s office said the programme helped families and supported wider recovery work in areas that suffered heavy damage.

UN Humanitarian Priorities Plan HPP disbursed funds after Cyclone Ditwah

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s office said each affected family received LKR 27,000. Payments were made through Divisional Secretariats, using local administration channels. Authorities also carried out other relief steps. These included building temporary housing for people who lost homes during the storm and floods.

Officials said the HPP operated across all 25 districts of Sri Lanka. Assistance was delivered through nine key sectors under the programme. The coverage aimed to reach communities facing urgent needs. It also supported recovery where public services, farming, and jobs were disrupted by the cyclone and related hazards.

UN Humanitarian Priorities Plan HPP reached Cyclone Ditwah survivors nationwide

Official data showed the HPP reached a large share of the intended group. The plan targeted more than 650,000 people. About 575,000 individuals received direct support, which officials placed at 87 per cent of the target. Authorities linked this reach to coordinated work across districts and sectors.

Speaking at the event, UN Resident Coordinator Marc-Andre Franche said the humanitarian programme had been successfully implemented due to strong political leadership and the swift response mounted to manage the disaster.

Cyclone Ditwah impact shaped UN Humanitarian Priorities Plan HPP response

Cyclone Ditwah was among Sri Lanka’s worst weather-related disasters in recent years. The cyclone, followed by floods and landslides, affected more than two million people across the country. More than 600 people were killed. Over 230,000 were displaced as heavy rain caused flooding and wide destruction.

The rains damaged homes, infrastructure, agriculture, and livelihoods, according to officials. The HPP was set up to meet urgent humanitarian needs while also aiding recovery. Sri Lankan authorities said 75 per cent of the USD 35.4 million raised has been released, marking the close of the UN-backed response plan.

With inputs from PTI