The European Union (EU) has allocated a total of €2.35 million in financial assistance to Sri Lanka in response to the impact of Tropical Cyclone Ditwah.
This includes €500,000 through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and €1.85 million via DG-European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) partners, including the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF.
In addition to financial support, the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM)—comprising 37 participating states, including all 27 EU member states and countries such as Albania, Norway, Türkiye, and Ukraine—is providing in-kind assistance.
As part of this support, Sri Lanka received a shipment of relief aid on Wednesday, 17 December, with two air cargo flights arriving from Germany, France, and Luxembourg. The shipment included 83 tonnes of essential supplies, including family tents, mattresses, hygiene and kitchen kits, beds, and water filters, intended for communities most affected by the cyclone.
The arrival of the aid was welcomed by EU Ambassador to Sri Lanka Carmen Moreno, French Ambassador Rémi Lambert, and Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy, Sarah Hasselbarth. On behalf of the Sri Lankan government, the donations were received by Sugeeshwara Gunaratna, Director General for Europe & North America at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Chathura Liyanarachchi, Director of the Disaster Management Center (DMC).
Italy has also contributed a team of structural engineers to assist with disaster assessment and recovery efforts.
Furthermore, the EU has activated its Copernicus Emergency Management Service (EMS) in rapid mapping mode, producing around 30 maps to support relief and recovery operations.
The EU reaffirmed its commitment to continued cooperation with Sri Lanka in the disaster recovery and rebuilding process, highlighting the enduring friendship and strong partnership between the two.
