Arrival of Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) – Medical Team to Respond to Cyclone Damage in Sri Lanka

On 3^rd December 2025, the Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) Medical Team, dispatched by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under the order of the Japanese government, has arrived at the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in response to the tremendous damages and challenges posed by Cyclone Ditwah. They were welcomed by Honorable Minister of Science and Technology, Ministry of Health and Mass Media.

With 31 members including medical professionals as well as JICA staff, the JDR Medical Team plans to provide medical services with primary focus on outpatient care, defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) standards for Emergency Medical Team (EMT) Type 1. The said Team will set up clinical facilities in Chilaw following the ground-level needs identified by the assessment team which arrived in Sri Lanka earlier on 1^st December.

In an effort to support Sri Lankan people under the current challenges, JICA will also provide emergency relief goods to Sri Lanka. This includes essential supplies such as tents, blankets, sleeping pads, and water purifiers, which aims to provide shelter and relief to the affected communities.

Grounded on the historical bilateral bonds and strong friendship between Sri Lanka and Japan, JICA is committed to making every effort to help the people of Sri Lanka overcome this challenge and return to the path towards the earliest-possible recovery.