Category: News

The Government of Australia has announced an additional $2.5 million for Sri Lanka, increasing Australia’s response to the impacts of Cyclone ‘Ditwah’ to $3.5 million.

Australia is engaging with all affected countries including Sri Lanka, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, with support to be provided through Australian NGOs and the United Nations as requested to meet urgent needs, a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

This brings Australia’s total assistance to over $14 million since October, supporting local and international partners to provide urgent lifesaving assistance to affected communities.

In recent weeks, Australia’s close partners in the region have experienced the devastating impacts of cyclones, floods, earthquakes and landslides.

Communities in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam have all been affected, the Ministry said.

Australia’s support is providing emergency relief supplies, shelter, food, water and sanitation, and it is meeting the needs of displaced communities, including support for health and education, and prioritizing the needs of the most vulnerable, including women, girls and people with disability.

The Australian government announced that it will continue to work with countries and communities in the region as a steadfast and reliable partner across the Indo-Pacific.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:

“Our thoughts are with all those affected by the recent floods and devastation in Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka. We are working with our partners in the region to deliver life-saving assistance to accelerate their response.

“Australia is committed to supporting our neighbours in good times and bad – we are a partner our region can count on.”

Sri Lanka’s government expects full restoration of telephone and internet services by Thursday following severe disruptions caused by recent flooding and landslides, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne said.

Weeraratne said that the Ministry of Digital Economy, the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, and service providers have been working around the clock to bring networks back online.

The floods and landslides initially damaged provincial fibre connections at 11 locations, with nine sites restored within 24 hours.

Remaining points are now being managed through alternative fibre paths, making provincial connections largely operational.

Power failures and fibre damage had rendered over 4,000 main transmission towers inactive.

Around 2,800 towers have been restored, leaving 949 still offline, mainly due to ongoing power outages.

The Tri-Forces are assisting by providing rapid access to telecom towers and supporting power restoration.

The hardest-hit districts remain Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, Puttalam, and Vavuniya, with Nuwara Eliya and Kandy experiencing the most persistent connectivity issues.

Weeraratne expressed confidence that more than 75% of connectivity will be restored in Nuwara Eliya and Puttalam by Thursday morning, with Kandy expected to rise from 65% to approximately 70%.

With over 80% of disruptions already addressed, authorities say full restoration of telecommunication services across the country is on track for Thursday.

Rebuilding Sri Lanka’s damaged bridges emerged as a top priority during a high-level discussion between Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Wiebe Jakob De Boer, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, who paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister on December 2, 2025.

The Ambassador conveyed the Netherlands’ willingness to assist in reconstructing bridges destroyed by recent floods and landslides.

The meeting also focused on Disaster Risk Reduction, strengthening infrastructure, and promoting sustainable development.

The Prime Minister and the Ambassador underscored the need for resilient rebuilding, improved long-term planning, and targeted support for disaster-affected communities.

They explored future cooperation in flood management, inclusive development, and strategic investments to ensure stability and sustainability.

The United Nations (UN) stands ready to support relief and response efforts in Sri Lanka, Secretary General of the United Nations António Guterres said.

He said in a post on X, “Deeply saddened by the loss of life caused by severe flooding & landslides in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand & Malaysia. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims & my solidarity to all those affected.”

He said the UN stands ready to support relief and response efforts.

The death toll from Cyclone Ditwah that left a trail of destruction in Sri Lanka climbed to 410, with 336 people still missing, according to the latest Disaster Management Center (DMC) report.

The cyclone’s fury has left 1,466,615 people affected across 25 districts, turning homes into rubble and forcing thousands into shelters.

The central highlands have borne the brunt of the tragedy: Kandy reports 88 deaths and 150 missing, while Nuwara Eliya records 75 fatalities and 62 missing persons.

Coastal and northern districts, including Puttalam, Mannar, and Gampaha, also face severe devastation.

In total, 407,594 families have been impacted, with 20,271 homes completely destroyed and 64,483 partially damaged.

Relief efforts are underway, with 233,015 people currently in safety centers, as authorities race against time to provide food, clean water, and medical care.

Officials warn of heightened disease risks as floodwaters stagnate, and recovery is expected to be a long, arduous process.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Monday (01) to convey condolences and pledge further assistance as Sri Lanka continues to grapple with widespread destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s solidarity with Sri Lanka and assured continued support through Operation Sagar Bandhu, under which Indian rescue teams and relief supplies have already been dispatched to affected regions.

He noted that India remains committed to helping its neighbor navigate the crisis.

President Dissanayake thanked Modi for India’s rapid response, including the deployment of emergency personnel and humanitarian aid.

He said Sri Lankans greatly appreciate the timely and effective support provided since the cyclone made landfall.

Modi also assured that India would maintain its assistance in line with Vision MAHASAGAR and its role as the region’s “first responder” during emergencies.

He pledged continued cooperation as Sri Lanka moves from immediate relief to rehabilitation, restoration of essential services, and rebuilding of livelihoods.

Both leaders also agreed to stay in close contact to coordinate ongoing relief and recovery efforts.

The British government has announced that it will provide US$ 890,000 (£675,000) worth of urgent humanitarian support for Sri Lanka.

The announcement comes as Sri Lanka recovers from the devastating impact of Cyclone Ditwah.

The funds will be directed through the Red Cross, the United Nations and local partners to support ongoing rescue and relief operations.

The British High Commission in Colombo said, “the UK will provide $890,000 (£675,000) of urgent humanitarian support – working with the Red Cross, UN and local partners to deliver emergency supplies and life-saving care.”