With funding from The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF), the Sevalanka Foundation has initiated a humanitarian relief program aimed at supporting communities in Biyagama affected by recent flooding. This initiative is centered on restoring access to safe water, healthcare services, and essential public facilities during the critical recovery phase following Cyclone Ditwah.
The program, developed in close collaboration with the Divisional Secretariat, focuses on the cleaning and rehabilitation of contaminated dug and tube wells to tackle the urgent post-flood challenge of safe water access. Additionally, it supports the cleaning and reopening of key public spaces, including schools and Grama Niladhari (GN) offices, facilitating the safe resumption of daily activities for authorities and communities. As part of the initial response, the Sevalanka Foundation and TCCF have donated water pumps to the Divisional Secretariat to aid in immediate water extraction and cleanup efforts.
Furthermore, guided by the Medical Officer of Health (MOH), the project’s second main component involves assisting MOH-operated healthcare facilities in restoring access to emergency and essential medical services. This assistance includes sanitization, debris removal, hazard stabilization, and the provision of emergency medical supplies such as essential medicines and hygiene products. Medical camps staffed by doctors and senior nurses will be conducted through MOH offices to deliver health, nutrition, and hygiene-related relief to prioritized groups.
Affected groups, including children, pregnant and lactating mothers, the elderly, and people with disabilities, will receive need-based relief packs containing hygiene products, dry rations, baby-care items, and basic household essentials like towels, mats, and blankets. Specially customized nutritional relief packs featuring fresh fruits and vegetables will also be distributed to eligible individuals, with beneficiary registration managed through GN offices.
“Access to safe water, healthcare, and essential services is critical in the aftermath of flooding. Through this collaboration with the Sevalanka Foundation and close coordination with local authorities, we aim to support immediate relief efforts and help stabilize daily life for families affected by the floods in Biyagama,” stated Carlos Pagoaga, President of The Coca-Cola Foundation.
Kaushalya Navaratne, Managing Director of Sevalanka Foundation, commented, “Floods disrupt communities in profound ways—from water safety to health and access to public services. With support from The Coca-Cola Foundation, we are able to respond quickly on the ground, prioritizing urgent needs while supporting communities as they begin their journey toward recovery.”
This initiative underscores The Coca-Cola Foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting communities impacted by natural disasters, working with trusted local partners to deliver timely relief and help build resilience in the aftermath of emergencies.
