Sri Lanka Needs Our Help – The Aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah Is Devastating 

(Modified )

A week ago, on November 28, Sri Lanka was struck by one of the worst natural disasters in its history. Cyclone Ditwah brought torrential rains, floods, and massive landslides. Thousands of homes have been destroyed, roads and bridges have collapsed, and entire regions have been cut off from communities – and from aid. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared a state of emergency the following day. 

The Need for Aid Is Urgent 

According to an update by the UN office in Sri Lanka and the government, 22 of the country’s 25 districts have been declared national disaster zones. Official figures report 474 deaths and 356 missing persons. More than 1.5 million people have been affected by the disaster, and at least 147,000 are living in emergency shelters. Over 41,000 houses have been partially or completely damaged. Electricity and running water are down in many areas, and communication networks have collapsed. 

“We completed our last project activity just before the warning. Everyone got home safely, but outside the floods had already begun. Now we are supporting emergency relief in Colombo. One of our members lost her mother when their house collapsed,” says one of our partners in Sri Lanka. “We have been distributing 1,000 lunch packs every day with the help of our members and volunteers. The challenge is that many areas are inaccessible – roads are cut off and regions have collapsed.” 

As Waters Recede, the True Impact Emerges 

Although the rain has stopped and water levels have dropped, new challenges lie ahead. The most critical may be a prolonged food shortage. Rice fields that once fed families until the next harvest are now underwater. Vegetable farms, tea plantations, and home gardens have collapsed in landslides and relentless rains. “This destruction is not temporary; its effects will last for months, changing food availability and daily life,” describes a local organization supported by KIOS. The collapse of bridges and roads prevents the transport of remaining crops, worsening the situation. 

Floods have crippled hospitals, medicine supplies are scarce, and disease risks are rising. WHO warns of epidemics as clean water and hygiene supplies run out. Field hospitals and emergency teams are trying to fill the gap, but the need for aid grows every day. 

The disaster affects not only property – it also strains mental health. “Let’s care for each other with empathy and patience,” urges a staff member from one of KIOS’s partner organizations. Community spirit matters now more than ever: look after your neighbours, help families left homeless, and volunteer if you can. Sometimes a warm meal or a kind word can ease someone’s burden. 

Recovery will take months, even years. The President has already called for urgent action to restore agriculture, livestock, and irrigation systems. Meanwhile, the need for aid grows day by day. Dry food, kitchen supplies, hygiene items, and medicines are needed, as well as immediate support for farmers to restore food security. 

Join Our Support Campaign 

Join our fundraising campaign from December 5–14. All funds raised will be directed straight to Sri Lanka, to the grassroots level, through our grantees. 

KIOS has supported human rights work in Sri Lanka for years. By channeling funds through partner organizations, aid reaches those who need it most – especially people in remote areas and communities isolated by the disaster. We will update the crowdfunding page regularly and inform donors how funds are used. 

Our partners may use funds for: 

  • Delivering aid to remote areas 
  • Emergency food packages and drinking water 
  • Hygiene supplies 
  • Medicines and first aid items 
  • Temporary shelter solutions 
  • Support for farmers 
  • Logistics and transportation of goods 

Every donation and every euro helps – even a small amount can provide a warm meal or essential supplies for a family that has lost everything in recent days. Choose an amount and donate today!*

*Our fundraising permit only covers Finland. For residents outside of Finland, we kindly ask you to share this message and consider supporting local or international organizations working on relief efforts!

MobilePay: to number 60783. Add message “Sri Lanka”.

Bank transfer: to account FI78 1555 3000 1237 79 (Nordea), Recipient: KIOS, Reference number: 1232. 

Please include your contact details in the message field if you would like us to stay in touch! 

Through our donation page here.

We have survived darker days – wars, tsunamis, pandemics, and economic crises. We will survive this too. This is not just a disaster, but a test of our unity and resilience. Let’s stand together, protect what remains, rebuild, and move forward with hope and strength.

– KIOS grantee in Sri Lanka. 

 

For more information: 

Senior Specialist:
Katja Ilppola
+358 40 952 7920
katja@wordpress-1175544-6194269.cloudwaysapps.com 

Communications Coordinator:
Piia Khatiwada Suoranta
+358 40 952 7923
piia@wordpress-1175544-6194269.cloudwaysapps.com