COLOMBO, February 27, 2026 — The European Union has announced an additional €1 million in humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka, reinforcing relief efforts for communities still recovering from the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Ditwah, which struck the island in late November 2025 and triggered widespread flooding and landslides across all 25 districts.
The latest allocation, equivalent to more than LKR 370 million, brings the EU’s total humanitarian contribution to Sri Lanka’s cyclone response to over €3.35 million. The funding will be delivered through humanitarian partner organisations to support essential services and assist vulnerable communities struggling to restore basic living conditions.
The announcement comes as more than 170,000 people remain displaced or living with host families, with thousands continuing to shelter in temporary relief centres — including schools, religious buildings, and community halls never intended for prolonged habitation.
Cyclone Ditwah made landfall on Sri Lanka’s eastern coast on November 28, 2025, unleashing torrential rains that inundated towns, destroyed homes, and triggered landslides across the country. Nearly 1.8 million people — approximately eight percent of the population — were affected, including more than 500,000 children, according to disaster response authorities. The official death toll has reached 649, with 173 people still missing.
The economic consequences have been severe. The World Bank has estimated direct physical damage at $4.1 billion — equivalent to roughly four percent of Sri Lanka’s gross domestic product — with total economic losses projected at between $6 billion and $7 billion.
The European Union had previously mobilised €2.35 million in emergency humanitarian funding immediately after the cyclone, alongside technical expertise and in-kind assistance from member states, including France, Germany, Italy, and Luxembourg, which provided engineering support and resources to strengthen Sri Lanka’s emergency response and coordination.
The additional funding signals the EU’s continued engagement as recovery efforts enter a prolonged phase, with many families still dependent on humanitarian support months after the disaster.
The European Union and its Member States collectively constitute the world’s largest provider of humanitarian aid. Through its Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations department, the EU delivers assistance to millions of people each year affected by conflict and natural disasters, operating through a global network of humanitarian partners.
