Cyclone Ditwa struck Sri Lanka on 28 November 2025, unleashing days of relentless rain, powerful winds and widespread flooding across the island. According to early disaster-management reports, over 600,000 people have been affected nationwide, with thousands displaced from their homes. Low-lying regions were submerged within hours, while continuous rainfall triggered landslides, damaged farmlands and paralysed roads, leaving many communities cut off from essential supplies.
The Central and Uva Provinces including Badulla, Nuwara Eliya, Bandarawela and surrounding tea-estate regions, experienced some of the most severe impacts, alongside parts of Sabaragamuwa, the Western Province and several northern and eastern districts. Many families are now sheltering in temples, schools and community halls, uncertain of when they will be able to return home or rebuild.
Immediate Action by the Foundation of Goodness
In moments of national crisis, the Foundation of Goodness (FoG) has always been among the first to respond, and Cyclone Ditwa has been no exception. Our teams across the island, together with the Dive For Good emergency response crew, mobilised from the very onset of the disaster.
With roads washed away and entire villages inaccessible, our boat teams were deployed to rescue stranded families, deliver food, water and essential supplies and assist the elderly and vulnerable who were unable to flee rising floodwaters. Through our network of 22 Village Heartbeat Empowerment Centres, FoG Team have been working continuously to assess needs, coordinate support and ensure relief reaches even the most remote households.
Dry Ration Packs for 6,000 Families
To support families through this difficult time, FoG is preparing and distributing 6,000 emergency dry-ration packs across the island, enough to assist approximately 24,000 individuals or more.
Each pack, valued at approximately Rs. 6,000, includes a selection of staple items such as red rice, flour, dhal, sugar, tea, soya, salt, coconut oil, chilli powder, chilli pieces, curry powder, pepper, turmeric, biscuits, toothpaste, soap, matchboxes and candles.
Because transport from Colombo is largely impractical during this disaster, items are purchased from shops closest to our Centres, meaning contents may vary slightly from region to region, but every pack is designed to provide immediate nourishment, stability and dignity for families at a time when they need it most.
For thousands now displaced and living temporarily in schools and temples, these packs will give them a crucial foundation when they return home and begin the difficult process of rebuilding their lives from scratch.
Dive For Good on the Frontlines
With access routes blocked across multiple districts, our Dive For Good team has been indispensable to the emergency response. Their efforts include:
- Evacuating residents trapped by fast-rising water
- Delivering food, water, medicine and hygiene items
- Supporting individuals with limited mobility
- Reaching isolated communities that cannot be accessed by road
Their swift action has saved lives and ensured timely assistance for families who would otherwise have been left waiting for help.
Human–Wildlife Impact
The extensive flooding has also disrupted wildlife habitats. Animals, including dogs, cats and porcupines, have been seen seeking higher ground near homes and buildings as their surroundings become submerged. Our teams continue to work closely with local groups to help manage these situations safely for both people and animals.
Looking Ahead: Rebuilding with Hope
As floodwaters gradually recede, FoG is preparing a longer-term recovery and rehabilitation plan. This includes support for home repairs, medical assessments, psychosocial assistance and community rebuilding efforts. The road to recovery will be long, but with collective support, families across Sri Lanka can begin to restore their lives and start over.
How You Can Help
Cyclone Ditwa has left a profound mark on communities across the island. Your support can help us reach even more affected families with life-saving relief and long-term recovery assistance. Contributions can be made through the official channels of the Foundation of Goodness.
Together, we can help Sri Lanka heal, rebuild and rise stronger.
