Sri Lanka is facing an environmental catastrophe of unprecedented scale in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah, with leading experts warning that the real extent of the ecological destruction remains dangerously under-assessed.

Research Professor Siril Wijesundara of the National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS) issued a stark warning that Sri Lanka may be confronting one of the worst biodiversity losses in its recent history, yet the country still lacks a coordinated, scientific assessment of the damage.

“What we see in photographs and early reports is only a fraction of the devastation. We are dealing with a major ecological crisis, and unless a systematic, science-driven assessment begins immediately, we risk losing far more than we can ever restore,” Prof. Wijesundara told The Island.

Preliminary reports emerging from the field point to extensive destruction across multiple biodiversity-rich regions, including some of the nation’s most iconic and economically valuable landscapes. Massive trees have been uprooted, forest structures shattered, habitats altered beyond recognition, and countless species—many endemic—left at risk.

Among the hardest-hit areas are the Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya, Seethawaka Botanical Garden, Gampaha Botanical Garden, and several national parks and forest reserves under the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Forest Department. Officials describe scenes of collapsed canopies, destroyed research plots, and landscapes that may take decades to recover.

Prof. Wijesundara said the scale of destruction demands that Sri Lanka immediately mobilise international technical and financial support, noting that several global conservation bodies specialise in post-disaster ecological recovery.

“If we are serious about restoring these landscapes, we must work with international partners who can bring in advanced scientific tools, funding, and global best practices. This is not a situation a single nation can handle alone,” he stressed.

However, he issued a pointed warning about governance during the recovery phase.

“Post-disaster operations are vulnerable to misuse and misallocation of resources. The only safeguard is to ensure that all actions are handled strictly through recognised state institutions with legal mandates. Anything else will compromise transparency, accountability, and public trust,” Prof. Wijesundara cautioned.

He insisted that institutions such as the Department of Wildlife Conservation, the Forest Department, and the Botanical Gardens Department must take the lead—supported by credible international partners.

Environmental analysts say the coming months will be decisive. Without immediate, science-backed intervention, the ecological wounds inflicted by Cyclone Ditwah could deepen into long-term national losses—impacting everything, from tourism and heritage landscapes to species survival and climate resilience.

As Sri Lanka confronts the aftermath, the country now faces a critical test: whether it can respond with urgency, integrity, and scientific discipline to protect the natural systems that define its identity and underpin its future.

By Ifham Nizam

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has categorised 192 persons as missing as search operations were scaled down in flood-affected areas.

The death toll has been placed at 635, while the highest number of deaths was reported from the Kandy District. Kandy recorded 234 deaths.

According to the latest data, a total of 1,776,103 individuals from 512,123 families, in 25 districts, have been affected by the impact of Cyclone Ditwah.

The DMC has said that 69,861 individuals from 22,218 families are currently accommodated in 690 shelters established across the country.

As Sri Lanka experienced one of the worst flood situations in its recorded history, which crippled national infrastructure and forced operations to suspend at the Port of Colombo, Hambantota International Port (HIP), however, remained fully operational, the HIP has said in a media statement. Although Hambantota also faced heavy rains, it lay outside the storm’s direct path, enabling continuous port activity, it said.

The statement issued by the company quoted Bindu Ranasinghe, Deputy General Manager – Commercial & Marketing, of Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG), as having said: “While the bad weather did affect Hambantota to an extent, conditions here were far better than in Colombo and along the western coastline,”. “Our teams, across operations, navigation, marine services, security and outsourced personnel, demonstrated exceptional resilience. Thanks to their commitment, HIP continued to operate 24/7 without suspension, throughout adverse weather.

The past week clearly highlighted the national necessity of a second fully functional international port capable of handling every category of cargo. The disruptions along the western coastline reinforced HIP’s importance as a reliable alternative when other ports face weather-related constraints. “HIP’s ability to process container, RORO, bulk, and oil and gas cargo, under challenging conditions, is a clear statement of its value as a critical national asset,” Ranasinghe emphasised.

This strategic role became particularly evident when an LPG vessel, unable to discharge in Colombo due to adverse weather conditions, was diverted to Hambantota. At the request of LAUGFS, based on instructions from the Ministry of Finance and the Commissioner of Essential Services, and further coordinated through the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, HIP facilitated the arrival and discharge of the LPG carrier PGC PATRES. This intervention highlighted the port’s readiness and capability to support the nation during critical contingencies. Bindu Ranasinghe noted that HIP is fully equipped to handle such vessels safely and efficiently, ensuring continuity in essential supply chains.

Despite heavy intermittent rainfall, HIP did not experience any slowdown significant enough to halt operations. Container and RORO handling continued with only minor, precautionary adjustments to protect cargo from exposure. Bulk operations, which are often paused at ports worldwide during rain, proceeded uninterrupted, thanks to HIP’s enclosed warehouse system that ensured full protection and zero contamination. Navigation teams also berthed and unberthed vessels without delay, maintaining safe and efficient movement, even under challenging weather conditions.

The Port’s strong performance comes during what is shaping up to be a record-breaking year for HIP. RORO throughput is expected to reach the highest levels in the Port’s history, while container volumes are on course for an all-time high. Bulk cargo volumes are similarly projected to hit record levels, and HIP’s total TEU movement has already surpassed eight times last year’s figures. Wilson Qu, CEO of HIPG and HIPG Management, confirmed that 2025 will end as one of the Port’s best operational years, highlighting how teams successfully managed unusually high and often unexpected surges in import volumes.

The past week’s events have reinforced the strategic value of Hambantota International Port as a dependable, all-weather facility that strengthens Sri Lanka’s maritime resilience. HIP remains fully operational and continues to support the nation’s import, export, energy, and logistics needs without interruption.