US Doubles Aid for Cyclone Ditwah Recovery -Total Hits $4 Million

COLOMBO (News 1st); The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka today (13) announced an additional $2 million in humanitarian assistance to support communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah, bringing total U.S. aid for the disaster response to $4 million.

This new funding builds on the $2 million announced in December 2025, within 72 hours of the cyclone’s landfall, underscoring Washington’s commitment to timely and effective support for Sri Lanka.

“When Sri Lankans needed support, the United States responded,” said U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung. “From early airlift and logistics expertise to $4 million in humanitarian assistance, we are supporting Sri Lanka—a key Indo-Pacific partner—on its path forward after Cyclone Ditwah. Disasters like this disrupt communities and livelihoods, and the United States remains engaged in contributing to stability so people and economies can move forward.”

According to the Embassy, U.S. assistance is reaching hardest-hit districts including Ampara, Badulla, Gampaha, Kegalle, Puttalam, and Ratnapura, as well as estate communities in the Central Province.

The aid package includes:

Emergency food and essential items (kitchen sets, hygiene kits)

Flood-mitigation materials (polysacks for sandbagging)

Clean drinking water access

Nutrition support for mothers and children

Safe, child-friendly shelters

In rural and estate areas, assistance is also helping restore basic infrastructure, improve drainage and irrigation, and revive local food production and livelihoods.

Trusted partners such as the World Food Programme (WFP) and World Vision are implementing these efforts to ensure aid delivery is swift, effective, and accountable.

As Sri Lanka continues to assess evolving needs, the United States reaffirmed its readiness to work closely with Sri Lankan authorities to support emerging priorities in recovery and resilience.