Sri Lanka Rebuild Shaped by Cyclone Ditwah Aftermath

Sri Lanka is assessing recovery and reconstruction needs following Cyclone Ditwah, spearheaded by the Rebuild Sri Lanka Fund. Contributions from abroad assist in managing damage, and requests for aid include USD 200 million from the IMF. The disaster has heavily impacted livestock and the population.

In the wake of Cyclone Ditwah, Sri Lanka is navigating the daunting task of reconstruction and recovery, as detailed by the Deputy Finance Minister on Wednesday. Officials anticipate a six-month timeline for the full damage assessment, although preliminary figures may emerge post-December 15.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake initiated the 'Rebuild Sri Lanka Fund' to coordinate recovery efforts. This fund is managed by a committee that includes both public and private sector influencers collaborating to prioritize needs, direct resources, and allocate funds critically.

Contributions have flowed in from countries like India and the global Sri Lankan diaspora. Currently, the government has put forward an appeal to the IMF for USD 200 million, estimating overall recovery costs at between USD 2-3 billion. The cyclone's devastation has notably affected livestock, with over 16,000 farms impacted and a substantial number of poultry and cattle casualties reported.