Cyclone Relief Bill Swells as State, UN Mobilise Funds
Sri Lanka’s post-cyclone compensation bill is expected to exceed Rs. 100 billion, according to estimates attributed to a senior Treasury official, raising concerns over fiscal sustainability.
Household cleaning grants and essential item allowances alone would cost over Rs. 5 billion, while rental assistance adds Rs. 312 million. Agricultural losses are estimated at Rs. 7 billion for crops, alongside Rs. 40 billion for vegetable farming and livestock damage. Compensation for lost livelihoods could reach Rs. 44 billion, with business recovery requiring a further Rs. 5.2 billion.
To meet immediate needs, the government has released an additional Rs. 550 million, drawing from a Rs. 30 billion disaster management budget. Insurance companies have begun fast-tracking claims, while the United Nations has launched a USD 35 million appeal to support 658,000 vulnerable people.
Officials say relief disbursement is now underway nationwide.
