The United Nations has stepped into Sri Lanka’s hour of greatest need, unveiling an urgent humanitarian response plan as millions struggle to recover from Cyclone Ditwah’s catastrophic destruction and the country’s deepening economic hardship.
UN Unveils Emergency Plan for Cyclone Ditwah Survivors
The United Nations has launched a major humanitarian response plan to support Sri Lankans devastated by Cyclone Ditwah. Speaking in Colombo, UN Resident Coordinator Marc André Franche confirmed that nearly two million people have been affected across the island, with destruction far exceeding early assessments. He emphasized that Sri Lanka now requires both immediate relief and long term recovery support from the international community to overcome this emergency.
Franche noted that the damage is worse than initially expected, stressing that Sri Lanka cannot face this crisis alone. According to him, the country was already weakened by economic collapse after the Covid pandemic, followed by repeated natural disasters over the past twenty years. This latest catastrophe has pushed millions into even more vulnerable conditions.
Urgent Relief Needed for Millions at Risk
Marc André Franche explained that the UN has been working with the Sri Lankan government since the earliest stages of the disaster. He said, “From the beginning of this disaster, the United Nations has been working with the Sri Lankan government and the disaster management unit. We have been working to provide basic needs to the affected people, including cooked food.”
He added that nearly 2.2 million people who were already struggling due to the economic crisis now require immediate assistance. Poverty levels have risen sharply, with Franche stating, “About 25 percent of the people of Sri Lanka are facing poverty. They need to be provided relief. I have seen the unity and generosity of the people of Sri Lanka in the face of this disaster. I really appreciate it. Maybe even in my own country, even if there is a situation like this, I would not be able to see such generosity from the people.”
To respond quickly, the UN activated its emergency mechanism, allocating 4.5 million US dollars for immediate humanitarian needs across affected regions.
Global Funding Drive for Long Term Recovery
In response to the widespread devastation, the UN and the Disaster Management Centre have jointly identified priority areas to support Sri Lanka in the months ahead. Franche explained, “We have identified seven sectors including education, health and agriculture. Under those seven sectors, a plan has been put in place to provide relief to the affected people in the future.”
The United Nations is now working to raise 35 million US dollars for this multi sector recovery plan. According to Franche, this amount will be provided as grants, not loans. He confirmed that 9.5 million US dollars has already been secured from Australia, Canada, the European Union, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. The remaining 26 million US dollars will be sought from donor nations and international partners.
Strong Global Response Reflects Sri Lanka’s Diplomatic Ties
Franche stated that 21 countries, including Sri Lanka’s closest neighbors, have already stepped forward to support the nation in its time of crisis. This international response highlights the long standing diplomatic relationships that Sri Lanka has built over the years and the willingness of global partners to stand with the country during a moment of immense hardship.
The UN Resident Coordinator reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka throughout the recovery period, noting that humanitarian assistance will continue as the full scale of the disaster becomes clearer.
