ILO Warns Cyclone Ditwah Puts 16% of GDP at Risk

• CNL Reporter
• December 25, 2025
• News, Political
• Cyclone Ditwah, GDP, ILO
• 0 Comments

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has warned that floods and landslides triggered by Cyclone Ditwah placed around 16% of Sri Lanka’s GDP—valued at nearly $16 billion—at risk, with economic impacts concentrated in a limited number of districts.

In a special brief, the ILO said the assessment was based on night-time light data combined with flood mapping, cted zones. The agency estimated that up to 374,000 workers were affected, with potential income losses of $48 million per month.

The findings contrast with the World Bank’s rapid estimate of $4.1 billion in initial damages, which excludes income losses and recovery costs. The ILO highlighted severe impacts on agriculture, including 23% of paddy land flooded and tea output losses of up to 35%, calling for urgent livelihood restoration and stronger institutional coordination.