Cyclone Ditwah Threatens Sri Lanka’s Recovery, Pushes Families Deeper into Poverty
Sri Lanka’s tentative economic recovery is facing a serious setback as Cyclone Ditwah wreaks havoc across the island, destroying homes, roads, and vital crops, pushing thousands of families back into poverty. Officials warn that rebuilding costs could soar to $7 billion, placing further strain on a nation still grappling with its worst economic crisis in decades.
The crisis, which peaked in 2022, had already doubled the country’s poverty rate to nearly 25% of its 22 million people. While a $2.9 billion IMF bailout had sparked hopes of recovery, with growth estimated at 4.5% this year, analysts now predict that growth could slow to 3% in 2026 due to the cyclone’s widespread damage.
A Deadly Blow
Cyclone Ditwah, which struck in late November, is the deadliest natural disaster in Sri Lanka since the 2004 tsunami, claiming 635 lives and affecting around 10% of the population. Critical infrastructure, rice and tea crops, and homes were destroyed, leaving communities struggling to cope.
“Cyclone Ditwah struck regions already weakened by years of economic stress,” said Azusa Kubota, UNDP Resident Representative in Sri Lanka. “Recovery will be slower and costlier in areas where high flooding and vulnerability overlap.”
The Cost of Rebuilding
Sri Lanka faces a monumental rebuilding task, with Commissioner General Prabath Chandrakeerthi estimating costs could reach $7 billion. The government has requested $200 million in emergency funds from the IMF, which is reviewing the appeal, with an assessment team scheduled to visit in January.
UNDP analysis shows that floodwaters have inundated almost 20% of Sri Lanka’s land, affecting 2.3 million people. Kubota cautioned that the country cannot shoulder more debt, urging international partners to provide affordable financing to prevent Sri Lanka from “falling off the debt cliff.”
Impact on Agriculture and Industries
The cyclone has severely impacted Sri Lanka’s tea, rice, and apparel sectors, which collectively employ over a million people. Tea production is expected to drop by 3–4 million kilograms in December alone, affecting exports to countries including Iraq, Russia, and Turkey, according to Roshan Rajadurai of the Planters’ Association.
Rice farmers have been hit hardest. The cyclone destroyed 575,000 hectares of paddy fields, leaving many without funds to replant. K.K.G. Thilakabandara, chairman of the largest rice farming association, emphasized the urgency: “Authorities must release funds quickly so crops can be replanted. Otherwise, farmers risk losing both their harvest and livelihoods.”