Sri Lanka has received a generous financial donation exceeding 8.5 billion rupees, with significant contributions from well-wishers in the United States. In addition, goods valued at 2.3 billion rupees have been received to aid in post-disaster reconstruction efforts, according to Treasury Secretary Harshana Suriyapperuma.
Updating on the donations and insurance claims, Suriyapperuma noted the overwhelming support extended to Sri Lanka by international well-wishers and expatriate citizens. The total donation includes a foreign currency equivalent of 9.49 million US dollars, received from 47 different countries through individual and organizational contributions.
The United States emerged as the top donor, contributing over 1 billion rupees, followed by significant donations from Australia, China, the UK, Germany, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Bhutan, Italy, and Korea.
“These donations are being carefully accounted for, and funds are being promptly directed to those in need. The government is actively involved in providing various relief programs to support affected families, launching livelihood initiatives to help individuals and businesses recover as quickly as possible,” Suriyapperuma explained.
The Treasury Secretary also mentioned that the total number of insurance claims filed has exceeded 24,000, with 4.7 billion rupees in claims already settled. The total value of insurance claims currently being processed amounts to 45 billion rupees.
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, a key economic sector generating approximately $3.3 billion in revenue in 2025, faced a severe setback due to Cyclone Ditwah. The cyclone caused catastrophic flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage across all 25 districts. The storm resulted in over 600 fatalities, displaced hundreds of thousands, impacted nearly 10% of the population (about 2.3 million people), and caused direct physical damages estimated at US$4.1 billion, equivalent to roughly 4% of the country’s 2024 GDP, according to World Bank Global Rapid Post-Disaster Damage Estimation (GRADE) assessments.
Natural tourism destinations such as Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Knuckles Conservation Forest, Horton Plains, and Peak Wilderness, recognized as UNESCO sites, were severely affected. The disaster led to trail closures, road blockages, damaged rail links to the highlands, power disruptions, and accessibility issues during the peak season, resulting in numerous cancellations at hotels, homestays, and tea plantation experiences.
This disaster has exacerbated existing vulnerabilities from the 2022 economic crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, posing threats to rural livelihoods, food security, and wildlife, according to analysts.
In response, the government, under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, launched rapid humanitarian appeals for financial assistance with a firm commitment to transparency and zero corruption. (Colombo/January 23/2026)
