USD 1 Million Shelter Aid for Sri Lanka’s Disaster Victims From Japan

COLOMBO (News 1st); Japan has handed over emergency shelters worth USD 1 million to Sri Lanka through the International Organization for Migration (IOM), as part of a larger USD 2.5 million emergency grant announced on December 16.

The official handover took place with Akio Isomata, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, and Kristin Parco, Chief of Mission for IOM Sri Lanka, presenting the aid to Chathura Liyanarachchi, Director (Preparedness) of the Disaster Management Center (DMC).

This assistance includes 615 shelter kits, complete with kitchen sets, WASH kits, and bedding kits, aimed at supporting severely affected households in Kandy, Badulla, and Kegalle districts.

According to the latest DMC situation report (as of December 17), over 66,000 people and 22,000 families remain in safety centers, while more than 100,000 houses have sustained partial damage and 6,000 homes have been completely destroyed. The shelters are expected to provide immediate relief to families who have lost their homes and address urgent living needs.

Ambassador Isomata emphasized Japan’s solidarity with Sri Lanka during this crisis:

“There is still an urgent need for providing safe living space for displaced people. This assistance reflects the strong bond of trust and friendship between Japan and Sri Lanka and underscores Japan’s unwavering commitment to supporting the people of Sri Lanka in times of need.”