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UN Mobilizes $35 Million Grant for Cyclone-Ravaged Sri Lanka

Colombo, Sri Lanka – December 11, 2025 – The United Nations is launching a $35 million grant to aid Sri Lanka in its recovery from Cyclone Ditwah, which has left a trail of devastation across the island nation. The announcement comes amidst the country’s ongoing economic crisis and debt default, severely hindering its ability to independently manage the disaster’s aftermath.

According to U.N. Resident Coordinator Marc-Andre Franche, the post-Ditwah Humanitarian Priorities Plan (HPP) will focus on providing immediate life-saving assistance in critical areas including education, food security, agriculture, nutrition, health, protection, shelter, water sanitation and hygiene, and early recovery.

The cyclone, which has been battering Sri Lanka since November 16, has caused catastrophic floods and landslides. As of December 7th, authorities report at least 638 fatalities and 193 people missing. The disaster has disproportionately impacted the poorest and most vulnerable populations, exacerbating the already dire economic situation that has pushed 25% of Sri Lankans into poverty.

Franche emphasized the urgent need for international support, stating, “Cyclone Ditwah has hit the poorest and the most vulnerable the hardest.”

While the U.N. has already secured $9.5 million for the HPP through contributions from Australia, Canada, the European Union, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States, they are appealing to the international community to provide an additional $26 million. The initial funding, coupled with $4.5 million from the U.N. Central Emergency Fund, is facilitating rapid assistance. “While initial contributions from bilateral partners and 4.5 million dollars from the U.N. Central Emergency Fund are enabling rapid assistance, significant gaps remain,” he said.

The U.N. further cautioned that protection risks are escalating due to overcrowded shelters and inadequate resources, noting that an estimated 462,000 children are among those affected by the cyclone.

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