JICA Handed Over Emergency Relief Items to Sri Lanka for People Affected by Cyclone Ditwah

On 4^th December 2025, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) handed over the emergency relief goods to the Government of Sri Lanka to assist those affected by recent severe natural disasters caused by Cyclone Ditwah. This symbolic ceremony was held at Bandaranaike International Airport in the presence of Hon. Major General K.P.Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), Deputy Minister of Defence and Major General Sampath Kotuwegoda (Retd), Director General of the Disaster Management Centre, His Excellency Isomata Akio, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, and Kuronuma Kenji, Chief Representative of JICA Sri Lanka Office.

The shipment includes essential supplies such as tents, blankets, sleeping pads, and water purifiers, which will be distributed across areas severely impacted by the cyclone. This timely assistance aims to provide shelter and relief to those communities and people affected by the disasters.

At the ceremony, Deputy Minister of Defence and Major General Sampath Kotuwegoda (Retd) expressed deep gratitude for Japan’s swift assistance. In response, Ambassador Isomata emphasized the strong bond and friendship between Sri Lanka and Japan, stating that "From the initial phase to the reconstruction, Japan will be together with the people of Sri Lanka.” JICA Chief Representative Kuronuma echoed, saying “JICA will walk along with the people of Sri Lanka in this hard time.” He also highlighted the importance of delivering these essential items to the affected communities and people as soon as possible.

In response to the Cyclone Ditwah, JICA has already deployed the Medical Team of 31 personnel who have already begun operations to provide medical services for people in Chilaw, Puttalam District.

JICA will continue to support the people of Sri Lanka to overcome the current challenges, just as in the past decades, and as a reflection of the strong bonds between Sri Lanka and Japan and the mutual trust built through helping each other in times of adversity.