General

The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka announced today that it will provide an extra $2 million in humanitarian aid to help communities impacted by Cyclone Ditwah. This new funding increases the total U.S. aid for this disaster response to $4 million. The latest support follows an earlier $2 million announced in December 2025, just 72 hours after the cyclone hit, highlighting the U.S. commitment to quickly assist those in need. U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung stated, “When Sri Lankans needed support, the United States responded.” She explained that the U.S. is providing various forms of assistance, including early airlift and logistics support, to help Sri Lanka, which is a vital partner in the Indo-Pacific region, recover from the cyclone. “Disasters like this disrupt communities and livelihoods, and the United States remains engaged in contributing to stability so people and economies can move forward.” The U.S. aid is aimed at relief and early recovery efforts in areas of Sri Lanka that were hit hardest, such as Ampara, Badulla, Gampaha, Kegalle, Puttalam, and Ratnapura, along with estate communities in the Central Province. This assistance includes emergency food, essential items like kitchen sets and hygiene kits, and flood-mitigation supplies such as polysacks for sandbags. It also helps flood-affected communities access clean drinking water, provides essential nutrition support for mothers and children, and ensures shelters are safe and child-friendly. In rural and estate areas affected by the floods, U.S. assistance is also aiding communities in their recovery by restoring basic infrastructure, enhancing drainage and small-scale irrigation, and supporting livelihoods so families can restart local food production and economic activities. Trusted organizations like the World Food Programme (WFP) and World Vision are implementing the U.S. aid to make sure help reaches the affected communities quickly, effectively, and responsibly. As Sri Lanka evaluates its ongoing needs after Cyclone Ditwah, the United States will continue to collaborate with Sri Lankan officials to identify ways to address emerging priorities.