Sri Lanka had received humanitarian assistance from 22 foreign countries and the World Food Programme (WFP) to support communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah, the Ministry of Defence said yesterday.

To ensure the transparent management, coordination and effective distribution of foreign relief supplies, the President has established the High-Level Committee for Foreign Relief Aid (Supplies) Coordination (HL-FRAC). The Committee is chaired by Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General (Retd) Aruna Jayasekara.

The Committee has met on several occasions and taken measures to ensure efficiency and accountability in relief operations. All foreign assistance arriving through airports and seaports is being securely stored at the Orugodawatta warehouse complex, while distribution to affected communities has been strengthened through the National Disaster Relief Services Centre (NDRSC).

The sixth meeting of the Committee was held on Tuesday (Dec 30) at the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), where media were briefed on the foreign humanitarian assistance received and the role played by international relief teams.

Assistance received includes essential food items, medicines and technical equipment for disaster management operations. The international community has also provided civil engineering equipment for bridge restoration, transport and logistics vehicles, special tents and protective shelters for displaced families, as well as household items and clothing to help affected people resume daily life.

The Government has taken steps to ensure that all humanitarian aid is distributed swiftly and with the highest level of transparency. Details of the distribution process are reported every three days to the Presidential Secretariat and the Prime Minister’s Office, with updated information released to the media.

Distribution from the Orugodawatta warehouse is being carried out through District Secretariats, based on requests submitted by Divisional Secretaries. Storage capacity at the complex has been expanded, security enhanced and operational support strengthened. The Deputy Minister of Defence said arrangements would also be made to conduct a formal audit of the entire distribution process in the future.

In addition to material assistance, several countries have provided human resource support since the onset of the disaster. Relief teams comprising 89 specialists from seven countries are currently engaged in operations, working closely with local agencies in search and rescue missions, emergency medical care and urgent construction work.

Using modern technology, the teams have also supported disaster monitoring, mapping of affected areas and water purification to ensure access to safe drinking water. Some teams have already completed their missions and departed the country.

Deputy Minister Jayasekara, on behalf of the President and the people of Sri Lanka, expressed gratitude to all foreign governments and their citizens for their assistance during the crisis. He also commended the Sri Lankan expatriate community for extending support and making sacrifices to help the country in its time of need.

The Sri Lanka Red Cross Society has announced a nationwide program to remove and properly dispose of debris, including fallen trees, left in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah, the organization said yesterday. The initiative is set to begin Sunday (04) and will cover all 25 districts across the country.

Speaking to the media, Red Cross Head of Communications Navindra Senarathne said the programme will receive support from the Central Environmental Authority, provincial councils, and other relevant government agencies. Thousands of Red Cross volunteers are expected to take part in the operation.

Senarathne emphasized that the cleanup will not be confined to a single day or a few days, but will continue until affected areas are cleared, highlighting the Society’s commitment to tackling the impacts of extreme weather and climate-related disasters.

The operations will focus on key areas including Kolonnawa in Colombo District, Badulu Oya in Badulla District, Chilaw, and the stretch from Mannar Bridge to Kalladi Bridge in Mannar, while ensuring comprehensive coverage across all districts.

By Sirimantha Rathnasekara ✍️

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) yesterday warned that air quality is deteriorating across several urban centres, with recent readings showing conditions slipping into “slightly unhealthy” levels.

Colombo 07, Vavuniya, Kandy, Kegalle, Galle, Embilipitiya, and Puttalam recorded Air Quality Index (AQI) values above 100 over the past 24 hours, the NBRO said.

The agency forecasts that the situation will persist over the next 24 hours, with nationwide AQI levels ranging between 44 and 112. While most cities are expected to remain at moderate levels, Galle and Puttalam may continue experiencing slightly unhealthy conditions, whereas Nuwara Eliya is likely to enjoy “good” air quality.

Officials urged residents, especially sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions, to wear masks and seek medical attention if they experience breathing difficulties.

The NBRO also warned that peak pollution hours are expected between 8–9 am and 4–5 pm, advising the public to exercise caution during these times.