Rs. 58.5Bn Loss As Cyclone Ditwah Claims Mount
- Editor
- January 28, 2026
- Environment & Climate
- environment
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Sri Lanka’s insurance industry has recorded over 24,500 claims following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, with estimated insured losses reaching Rs. 58.5 billion, according to the Insurance Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (IRCSL).
As of 19 January, insurers have admitted liability for more than 18,400 claims, representing over 75% of the total received. A sum of Rs. 5.1 billion has already been paid to affected policyholders, mainly for property and commercial losses.
The IRCSL has instructed insurers to fast-track remaining assessments and release advance payments for large claims. However, officials acknowledge delays due to damage suffered by service providers themselves.
The disaster has renewed calls for faster infrastructure rebuilding and greater emphasis on climate-resilient construction, as thousands of families continue to face prolonged recovery challenges.
