The Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC) calls on the Government of Canada to urgently assist Sri Lanka as the country faces severe flooding and landslides caused by days of intense rainfall.
The CTC said heavy rains linked to Cyclone Ditwah have triggered widespread inundation, significant displacement, and rising casualties across multiple provinces. Search and rescue efforts continue as thousands have been moved to temporary shelters and major infrastructure has been disrupted. Several outlets and disaster monitoring authorities have described this as one of the worst floods Sri Lanka has ever faced, making it among the most damaging in recent years. The scale of human impact highlights the urgent need for swift international support.
Northern districts such as Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu have been among the hardest hit during this extreme weather system. According to national meteorological reporting the highest rainfall levels recorded during the event occurred in the Northern region with Mullaitivu receiving approximately 305 mm of rain within a short period, one of the highest totals documented during this cycle.
These districts are also among the poorest and most structurally vulnerable regions in Sri Lanka. Decades after the civil conflict, Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu continue to face persistent socio-economic hardships, including limited infrastructure, fragile livelihoods, and a high prevalence of multidimensional poverty. In addition to the devastation in the North, the Upcountry region has also been severely affected, where continuous heavy rains have triggered large-scale landslides, causing significant destruction and leading to some of the highest reported death rates during this disaster. Immediate support is critical to meet urgent needs such as safe shelter, clean water, food, medical care, and sanitation, and to prevent long term setbacks for families who are already facing deep hardship.
The Canadian Tamil Congress respectfully urges the Government of Canada to provide rapid humanitarian support through trusted international and local partners and to ensure the timely delivery of lifesaving relief to the most affected districts, particularly in the North and East. We appeal to the Canadian government, humanitarian agencies, and the wider Canadian public to stand with the people of Sri Lanka during this crisis. The Canadian Tamil Congress remains ready to collaborate closely with the Government of Canada, offering our community networks, on-the-ground partnerships, and regional expertise to help coordinate and channel assistance effectively. Swift action will save lives and support families who are now facing immense loss and uncertainty.
