Government Moves to Restore Lives After Cyclone Ditwah

COLOMBO (News 1st) -A circular for urgent relief measures to restore the lives of people affected and displaced by Cyclone Ditwah, was issued by the government last night.

The announcement of these relief measures came just hours after the President highlighted them while addressing Parliament yesterday, ahead of the vote on the third reading of the 2026 budget.


This circular grants authority to implement relief measures covering all sectors affected by the disaster, including families, individuals, businesses, and production activities. 

The relief measures include:

A one-time allowance of Rs. 25,000 per household to clean damaged homes.

A one-time allowance of Rs. 50,000 per household to purchase household appliances for resettlement.

For families who have lost their homes or whose homes are completely destroyed:

Families with two or fewer members: Rs. 25,000 per member for three months.

Families with more than two members: Rs. 50,000 per member for three months.

For homeowners without a residence: a maximum of six months’ rent allowance, Rs. 25,000 per month.

For crop damage:

One-time payment of Rs. 150,000 per hectare for damaged paddy fields.

One-time payment of Rs. 200,000 for damaged vegetable plots.

For registered livestock farmers: One-time payment of Rs. 200,000 per farm.

For disaster-affected small and micro businesses: One-time payment of Rs. 200,000 per business.

For damaged fishing boats: Rs. 400,000 per boat.

For school students: allowances to purchase books, uniforms, and school supplies.

For damaged commercial buildings: up to Rs. 5,000,000 per unit, based on damage assessment.

For completely destroyed houses: Rs. 5,000,000 per unit to build a new house, or, if government land is not available, to purchase a suitable plot.

For partially damaged homes: Rs. 2,500,000 per household, based on the damage assessment.

For loss of life or total disability: Rs. 1,000,000 will be provided to the closest relative of the deceased or to a fully disabled individual.