Sri Lanka Cyclone Relief Strengthened as UN Announces $35 Million Support Plan

Sri Lanka is set to receive major help after the deadly Sri Lanka cyclone brought massive floods and landslides across the country. The United Nations said it will mobilise a $35 million grant over the next four years. The support will help the island recover from Cyclone Ditwah, which has caused heavy loss of life and deep damage. The UN made the announcement on December 11, 2025. The plan comes as the nation still struggles with debt after its economic crisis.

The UN said the funds will focus on urgent needs. These include food, health, shelter, safe water, and support for displaced families. The new plan aims to protect people who were hit the hardest. It also covers early recovery steps to help communities rebuild.

UN Expands Support Efforts After Deadly Sri Lanka Cyclone

The UN and its partners launched the post-Ditwah Humanitarian Priorities Plan. According to AP and Reuters, officials said the plan will guide emergency work in the coming months. It will support education, food security, agriculture, health, and protection for vulnerable groups. Each area was chosen based on damage reports and needs on the ground.

At least 638 people have died since the storm hit. Another 193 people are missing. The cyclone began on November 16 and caused weeks of heavy rain. Homes, schools, and key roads were destroyed. Many families fled to crowded shelters with limited supplies.

UN Resident Coordinator Marc-Andre Franche said the storm struck the poorest communities the hardest. He said poverty has increased since the country’s debt crisis. Today, nearly 25% of Sri Lankans live under the poverty line. He warned that crowded shelters are adding new safety risks, especially for women and children.

The UN has already secured $9.5 million in early contributions. Support came from Australia, Canada, the EU, Switzerland, the UK, and the US. The UN Central Emergency Fund added $4.5 million. But the UN said more help is needed. It hopes to raise an extra $26 million soon.

Growing Humanitarian Needs Raise New Concerns

Cyclone Ditwah has left long-term challenges for Sri Lanka. Many villages still have no clean water. Farms and rice fields were washed away. Health workers report rising cases of illness linked to dirty water. Aid groups say recovery will take years.

More than 462,000 children are among those affected. Many schools remain damaged or closed. Families who lost their homes now face slow rebuilding plans. Supplies remain limited in several districts.

Economic pressure adds to the crisis. The nation defaulted on its debt in 2022. Recovery has been slow. This makes large-scale disaster work harder to fund. The UN said the new grant will ease some of this burden. But Sri Lanka will still need global help to fully recover.

Sri Lanka cyclone recovery will take time. The new UN aid plan offers hope to thousands who lost homes, farms, and income. The UN said it will keep working with partners to speed up support for all communities hit by the storm.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the latest UN support for the Sri Lanka cyclone?

The UN plans to mobilise $35 million over four years. It will support emergency aid and early recovery efforts. It targets people most affected by Cyclone Ditwah.

Q2: How many people were affected by the cyclone?

At least 638 people died. Another 193 are missing. Thousands more lost homes or access to basic services.

Q3: Which countries have contributed to the aid?

Australia, Canada, the EU, Switzerland, the UK, and the US have contributed. The UN Central Emergency Fund added $4.5 million. More funding is expected.

Q4: Why does Sri Lanka need global help?

The nation is still recovering from a major economic crisis and debt default. Local resources are limited. Global aid fills urgent gaps.

Q5: What are the main needs after Cyclone Ditwah?

People need safe water, food, shelter, and health support. Many schools and farms were damaged. Long-term recovery is also needed.