The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka has announced an additional $2 million in humanitarian assistance from the United States to support communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah. This brings the total U.S. contribution for the cyclone response to $4 million.
This latest funding supplements the $2 million in aid that was pledged in December 2025, within 72 hours of the cyclone’s impact. This rapid response highlights the United States’ commitment to providing timely and effective support to communities affected by such disasters.
“When Sri Lankans needed support, the United States responded,” stated U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung. “From the Department of War early airlift and logistics expertise to $4 million in humanitarian assistance, we are supporting Sri Lanka—a key Indo-Pacific partner—on its path forward after Cyclone Ditwah. Disasters like this disrupt communities and livelihoods, and the United States remains engaged in contributing to stability so people and economies can move forward.”
U.S. assistance focuses on relief and early recovery efforts in some of Sri Lanka’s most severely affected districts, including Ampara, Badulla, Gampaha, Kegalle, Puttalam, and Ratnapura, as well as estate communities in the Central Province.
The aid package includes emergency food and essential items, such as kitchen sets and hygiene kits, and flood-mitigation materials like polysacks for sandbagging. It also supports flood-affected communities in accessing clean drinking water, providing mothers and children with essential nutrition, and ensuring shelters are safe and child-friendly. In rural and estate areas impacted by flooding, U.S. assistance is facilitating recovery by restoring basic infrastructure, improving drainage and small-scale irrigation, and supporting livelihoods to help families resume local food production and economic activity.
Reputable organizations such as the World Food Programme (WFP) and World Vision are implementing this U.S. assistance to ensure that aid is delivered rapidly, efficiently, and with accountability to the affected communities.
As Sri Lanka continues to assess its evolving needs in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah, the United States remains engaged with Sri Lankan authorities to explore ways to support emerging priorities.
