U.N. to mobilise $35 million grant for cyclone-hit Sri Lanka

The United Nations is set to mobilise $35 million grant for cyclone-hit Sri Lanka in the next four years as the island nation is unable to afford debts after the economic crisis and the debt default, a U.N. official said on Thursday (December 11, 2025). 

The U.N. and humanitarian partners launched post Ditwah Humanitarian Priorities Plan (HPP) for Sri Lanka, which covers immediate life-saving assistance in education, food security, agriculture and nutrition, health, protection, shelter, non-food items, camp coordination, water, sanitation and hygiene and early recovery, Marc-Andre Franche, the U.N.  Resident Coordinator, told reporters.

At least 638 people have died, and 193 are missing as of Sunday (December 7, 2025), 6 a.m., due to the catastrophic floods and landslides caused by extreme weather conditions since November 16.

“Cyclone Ditwah has hit the poorest and the most vulnerable the hardest”, Mr. Franche said.

“The disaster has confounded the impact after Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, where 25% of the population is living in poverty”, he added.

The U.N. called on the international community to contribute towards HPP.

The U.N. has already received $9.5 million for the initiative with the support extended by Australia, Canada, the European Union Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States, Adaderana quoted Mr. Franche as saying. He noted they are seeking to mobilise a further $26 million in the coming months with a coordinated programme.

“While initial contributions from bilateral partners and 4.5 million dollars from the U.N. Central Emergency Fund are enabling rapid assistance, significant gaps remain,” he said.

Mr. Franche said protection risks are increasing with crowded shelters and limited facilities. “An estimated 4,62,000 children are among those affected by the cyclone,” he added.