Cyclone Aid Falls Short as Foreign Support Hits 0.17%

Sri Lanka has received only 0.17% of the estimated USD 6.5 billion required to rebuild damage caused by Cyclone Dithwa, highlighting serious shortcomings in international engagement by the current government. Treasury Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma confirmed that total domestic and foreign assistance stood at just USD 11 million as of 13 December.

In contrast, foreign aid covered nearly 87% of reconstruction costs after the 2004 tsunami. Analysts attribute the sharp decline to weak policy action, failure to convene a donor conference, and poor global communication of the disaster’s scale.

While the U.S., China, and the UK have provided limited relief assistance, the Maldives has emerged as a key supporter, with citizens contributing over USD 2.4 million. Observers warn that without stronger diplomacy and leadership, Sri Lanka risks deeper economic and humanitarian strain.

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