Sri Lanka Battles with Recovery: Cyclone Ditwah's Aftermath

Sri Lanka's government requires an additional LKR 500 billion for recovery efforts following Cyclone Ditwah, which caused extensive destruction. The Prime Minister presented a supplementary estimate detailing the restoration costs. The estimate is set for debate, highlighting the dire need for international aid to rebuild the nation.

Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has announced a need for LKR 500 billion to aid recovery from Cyclone Ditwah's devastation. The announcement came during a special parliamentary session dedicated to addressing the natural disaster's aftermath.

The supplementary estimate presented specifies allocations for relief, development assistance, and related expenditures. The debate on the allocation is scheduled for Friday, amidst calls for international support, including a request to the IMF for a USD 200 million release.

The cyclone has ravaged the island, causing widespread flooding and infrastructure collapse. Critical sectors, including agriculture, have been hard-hit, with 75,000 acres of crops destroyed and significant damage reported. With hundreds dead and thousands displaced, the tragedy underscores the urgent need for reconstruction and support.

(With inputs from agencies.)