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LTL Holdings has unveiled a nationwide relief programme aimed at supporting families affected by recent extreme weather, pledging immediate assistance as well as long-term recovery under a new initiative titled LTL Humanity.

The effort is being implemented in two phases, the company said in a statement.

The first phase centres on emergency relief, with 15,000 food parcels and other essential supplies being distributed to affected households over a two-week period.

More than Rs. 100 million has been allocated to ensure the rapid delivery of food items, hygiene kits and basic equipment for preparing meals at home.

The second phase will shift focus to long-term rehabilitation for communities hardest hit by flooding and related disruptions.

Upcoming projects include building homes for displaced families, repairing and reconstructing schools and children’s hospitals, and restoring damaged utilities such as electricity connections.

LTL Holdings said the programme is being carried out in partnership with national media organisations, youth and women’s groups, community organisations and volunteer networks to ensure swift and coordinated assistance.

Nuhuman Marikkar, CEO of LTL Holdings, said the initiative aims to provide both immediate relief and sustainable recovery.

“Our goal is not only to address urgent needs but to rebuild infrastructure and help restore normalcy in affected communities through a structured, phased approach,” he added.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya underscored the essential role of accurate and timely data in enabling effective decision-making during post-disaster recovery, at a meeting held on December 8 at the Prime Minister’s Office. The discussion centered on reconstruction planning, with particular attention to regions repeatedly affected by flooding.

Representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank, and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) took part in the meeting, which was convened under the Prime Minister’s patronage.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister noted that reliable, systematically gathered information is vital for day-to-day decision-making after a disaster. She emphasized that strong data flows guide both immediate response efforts and long-term recovery strategies.

During the briefing, officials outlined the post-disaster needs assessment tools currently in use, including RAPIDA and the Global Rapid Post-Disaster Damage Estimation (GRADE) system. These UNDP-led assessments integrate GIS technology, satellite imagery, and on-ground data collection to generate real-time, actionable insights. The tools help identify affected communities, infrastructure damage, debris levels, and land-use changes, thereby providing essential information for planning.

UNDP representatives reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration with the Government of Sri Lanka, expressing readiness to enhance partnerships aimed at improving the efficiency and impact of post-disaster response and reconstruction initiatives.

The meeting was attended by World Bank Country Manager Dr. Gevorg Sargsyan; UNDP Resident Representative Ms. Azusa Kubota; the South Asia Director for UNOPS; Secretary to the Prime Minister Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri; Additional Secretary (Development) Ms. Sagarika Bogahawaththa; and officials from the Department of National Planning.

Prime Minister’s Media Division
2025.12.09

A developing storm system in the Bay of Bengal is expected to move toward Sri Lanka, bringing rainfall of around 75 mm, particularly to the Northern, Eastern, and North-Central provinces, the Department of Meteorology said.

While the predicted rainfall is not considered severe, officials note that even moderate showers could worsen conditions in areas already affected by recent flooding. The Irrigation Department, the Mahaweli Development Authority, and the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) have been alerted to conduct impact assessments in vulnerable regions.

The BBC’s weather outlook also indicates that cloud formations over the Bay of Bengal may intensify into a storm and track toward Sri Lanka, resulting in heavier showers.

Commenting on preparedness measures, Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation Aravinda Senarath said both the Irrigation Department and Mahaweli Authority are closely monitoring reservoir levels, especially with the northeast monsoon expected to activate in the coming days.

He noted that many major reservoirs are currently at spill level after the heavy rains brought by Cyclone Ditwah.

“If we experience more rainfall in the range of 150–200 mm, the situation could become risky. Teams are on standby to release excess water and manage the system safely,” he said.

The deputy minister added that small and medium-scale irrigation tanks suffered the most damage during the recent flooding.

The Sri Lanka Navy has granted promotions to 17 officers and 2,069 senior and junior sailors as part of its 75th anniversary commemorations. The Navy celebrates this significant milestone today (09), marking the occasion with a number of ceremonial events that highlight longstanding naval customs and religious observances.

According to the Navy, the promotions were approved on the recommendation of the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda. The gesture forms a key component of this year’s anniversary celebrations, underscoring the service’s recognition of commitment and professionalism within its ranks.

The Navy’s 75th anniversary programme includes traditional ceremonies and religious rituals, reflecting both the heritage and continued evolution of the maritime force.

The Bandaranaike Memorial National Foundation has donated Rs. 250 million to the Government to support the rebuild of the country following the emergency situation caused by the Ditva cyclone.

Accordingly, Chairperson of the Bandaranaike Memorial National Foundation, former President Chandrika Bandaranaike, together with the Board of Directors, handed over the cheque to Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on 08 th of December at the Prime Minister’s Office.

Subsequently, a cordial discussion was held between the Foundation’s Chairperson, former President Chandrika Bandaranaike, and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The occasion was attended by the secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, and representatives of the Board of Directors of the Bandaranaike Memorial National Foundation.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

2025.12.09

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP S.M. Marikkar stated today that issuing warnings about impending cyclones is the responsibility of the government—not the opposition.

His remarks came in response to a statement by Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinge, who claimed the opposition should be held accountable for failing to share information they allegedly had regarding the recent cyclone.

“Doesn’t Deputy Minister Jayasinge understand that he is part of the government?” Marikkar asked, adding that the deputy minister appeared to be behaving more like a member of the opposition.

Sri Lanka’s request for approximately US$ 200 million under the IMF’s Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI) should be understood strictly as urgent disaster relief — not the start of another long‑term bailout programme.

On December 5, 2025, the IMF confirmed that Sri Lanka had applied for SDR 150.5 million (roughly US$ 200 million, about 26 % of its quota) under the RFI, in response to severe economic and humanitarian fallout from Cyclone Ditwah.

The funds, if approved by the IMF Executive Board, would flow as a one‑off, rapid disbursement to address urgent balance-of-payments needs helping rebuild infrastructure, shore up foreign exchange, and stabilize the immediate economic shock.

This emergency facility (RFI) clearly differs from the ongoing Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement that Sri Lanka signed in March 2023. Under that program, the country committed to medium-term structural reforms: fiscal consolidation, debt sustainability, restoring external buffers, controlling inflation, improving governance and social protection.

The EFF spans multiple years (48 months) and involves multiple reviews, milestones, and conditionalities closely monitored by the IMF.

Indeed, Sri Lanka has already drawn several tranches under the EFF. The third review concluded in early 2025 cleared a draw of SDR 254 million (about US$ 334 million), with the fourth review approving another SDR 254 million (about US$ 350 million).

These disbursements reflect a gradual but serious effort by Sri Lanka to stabilize the economy through structural adjustments.

In contrast, the RFI is designed for transitory, urgent shocks  like a natural disaster or external shock — where the need is immediate, but does not require the full‑blown conditionality and long-term oversight that an EFF programme would entail.

The support comes without periodic reviews or long‑term reform obligations; once disbursed, the loan must be repaid within 3¼ to 5 years.

Given the scale and nature of the damage inflicted by Cyclone Ditwah affecting infrastructure, livelihoods, and triggering urgent balance-of-payments pressures a request under the RFI is appropriate. It allows Sri Lanka to mobilize foreign exchange quickly for relief and reconstruction, without derailing or complicating the structural program already in place under the EFF.

Indeed, the IMF itself appears to treat the RFI request as an addition to, not a substitute for, existing EFF access. Reports say the Board will prioritize the RFI review, and only then resume the fifth EFF review when conditions permit.

In the delicate aftermath of a disaster, clarity matters. Presenting this RFI request as a distinct, one-time emergency intervention not a new multi‑year programme will preserve the integrity of Sri Lanka’s structural reform path. That clarity is also vital for public confidence and for reassuring international creditors that reform commitments under the EFF remain intact.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has extended his appreciation to U.S. President Donald Trump for once again supporting Sri Lanka during a time of crisis.

The United States has pledged US$ 2 million in emergency relief assistance to aid Sri Lanka’s response to the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, which brought widespread flooding and heavy rainfall across multiple regions.

In addition to financial aid, the U.S. has deployed two C-130J Super Hercules aircraft to bolster ongoing humanitarian and logistical operations.

President Dissanayake stated that the rapid deployment of aircraft, along with the emergency funding, demonstrates the strength of the long-standing relationship between the two nations — a partnership grounded in shared democratic values and deep ties between their people.

Sri Lanka is poised to fall short of its 2025 export revenue target by nearly US$ 1 billion, highlighting vulnerabilities in both the economy and its external financial buffers. The Export Development Board (EDB) projects total exports for the year to reach between US$ 17-17.5 billion, below the planned US$ 18.2 billion.

The shortfall stems primarily from severe domestic disasters, including floods and storms, which have disrupted agriculture and production, alongside global market pressures.

Source - aljazeera

Over the first ten months of 2025, merchandise and services exports collectively amounted to US$ 14.4 billion. While this reflects a 6% growth over the previous decade considered a notable improvement it remains insufficient to meet targets and address structural weaknesses in the export sector.

The underperformance has implications far beyond the headline numbers, as Sri Lanka relies heavily on export earnings to sustain foreign-exchange inflows, stabilize the currency, and maintain macroeconomic stability.

The export shortfall coincides with the country’s ongoing effort to rebuild reserves under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Extended Fund Facility. Authorities have indicated a gross official reserve projection of around US$ 7 billion by the end of 2025.

 However, experts clarify that this figure is a projection rather than a mandatory requirement. What truly matters is the accumulation of Net International Reserves (NIR) fully liquid, internationally recognized foreign assets excluding conditional swap lines.

For instance, approximately US$ 1.4 billion in swap agreements included in headline reserve figures are not immediately available for international obligations, meaning actual usable reserves are lower than publicized.

The shortfall in export revenue directly constrains the country’s ability to maintain these reserves. Reduced inflows limit Sri Lanka’s capacity to finance imports, service external debt, and support a stable exchange rate.

 Analysts warn that without corrective measures, the combined effect of weaker exports and uncertain reserve liquidity could exacerbate currency volatility and inflationary pressures, deepening macroeconomic fragility.

In response, the EDB is pursuing structural reforms through the upcoming National Export Development Plan (NEDP) for 2026–2030.

The strategy includes diversifying export products beyond traditional commodities like apparel, tea, and rubber, developing high-potential sectors such as ICT/BPM, logistics, electronics, and mineral-based exports, and targeting new regional markets in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Strengthened economic diplomacy and modernization of trade processes, including online integration via the National Single Window, are expected to bolster resilience.

But , analysts caution that achieving these ambitious goals requires careful alignment of policy, investment, and disaster preparedness.

The recent export shortfall underscores the fragility of Sri Lanka’s current external position and the urgent need to ensure that growth targets are realistic and supported by resilient, disaster-proof economic infrastructure.

The missed US$ 1 billion export target may be a temporary setback, but its ripple effects on reserve adequacy, currency stability, and investor confidence make it a critical warning for policymakers and the business community alike.

A Yellow Anaconda hatchling has gone missing from the Dehiwala National Zoological Gardens, prompting zoo officials to file a complaint with the Dehiwala Police.

The hatchling was one of seven snakes — including three other species — that were illegally smuggled into Sri Lanka from Thailand by a local woman on September 12, 2024. The snakes were seized by Customs officers at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) and subsequently handed over to the Dehiwala Zoo for care.

According to Deputy Director of the Zoo, Kasun Hemantha Samarasekara, all six remaining snakes had been kept under quarantine and were scheduled to be showcased to the public once the mandatory quarantine period was complete.

He noted that the Yellow Anaconda is the heaviest snake species native to South America and stressed that the missing hatchling had never been part of the zoo’s existing collection prior to its transfer from Customs.

As Sri Lanka struggles to recover from the devastation of Cyclone Ditwah and weeks of flooding, a deeper question is emerging beneath the emergency headlines: How should Sri Lanka balance urgent rescue needs with the long-term risks of foreign-funded reconstruction?

The answer is becoming inseparable from the geopolitical rivalry between India and China, the region’s two largest economic powers, both now active in Sri Lanka’s disaster response but in very different ways.

India moved with striking speed. Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, New Delhi deployed a multidimensional humanitarian package within hours, sending 53 tonnes of relief supplies, three Indian Air Force aircraft, naval vessels, specialised National Disaster Response Force (India) NDRF search-and-rescue units, and medical teams.

Helicopters airlifted stranded residents, engineers restored broken access routes, and evacuation flights repatriated more than 2,000 Indian nationals while also contributing to broader relief operations. India’s footprint is unmistakably operational: boots, machinery, helicopters, and emergency workers on the ground.

China’s engagement so far has been different in scale and style. Beijing’s immediate support included US$100,000 from the Red Cross Society of China to the Sri Lanka Red Cross, while embassy-linked community groups mobilised another LKR 10 million in donations.

Official Chinese statements indicate that further supplies and government-level assistance are “in progress” or being arranged. While not matching the rapid deployment seen from India, China’s approach fits its established pattern: financial aid first, reconstruction financing and project-based support later.

These contrasting relief models hint at a more complex reality Sri Lanka’s vulnerability is not just humanitarian, but geopolitical.

India’s swift operations reinforce its declared role as the Indian Ocean’s “first responder”, a strategic message that Colombo cannot ignore.

The tangible, highly visible nature of its assistance builds goodwill at the community level and strengthens defence and emergency cooperation. For a country still in economic recovery, Indian High Availability Disaster Recovery HADR capabilities provide immediate, lifesaving relief without adding to debt.

China’s influence, however, lies in long-term infrastructure and financing, from energy projects to major transport and port-related ventures. Beijing’s reconstruction assistance when it comes could offer scale and speed unmatched by most donors.

But these advantages come with well-known policy sensitivities: debt sustainability, project transparency, and environmental resilience. Post-disaster spending can easily become a gateway for high-cost or strategically weighted projects if oversight is weak.

This leaves Sri Lanka with a difficult but decisive task: extract benefits from both partners without deepening structural vulnerabilities.

In the immediate term, the country must continue leveraging India’s operational strength rescue teams, engineering units, medical care, and connectivity restoration because these are capabilities China does not deploy at the same pace or magnitude.

But for the reconstruction phase, Colombo must draw strict red lines: infrastructure must meet resilience standards, financing terms must be transparent, and project selection must prioritise flood protection, early warning capacity, agriculture stability, and social infrastructure.

If Sri Lanka does not set the terms, others will. The coming months will determine whether foreign financing becomes a tool for rebuilding a safer, greener nation or a new layer of long-term dependency shaped by the strategic calculus of external powers.

For a country caught between two giants, the only sustainable path is disciplined neutrality: accept the help, but guard the future.