Press Releases
Emergency Grant and other Humanitarian Assistance in response to the Cyclone Disaster in Sri Lanka
December 16, 2025
On December 16, the Government of Japan has decided to extend an Emergency Grant of USD 2.5 million to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in response to the devastating damages caused by the cyclone.
- With this Emergency Grant, Japan will implement humanitarian assistance in such areas as food and non-food items through the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).
- In addition, Japan also plans to carry out support activities through Japan Platform (JPF), a mechanism for emergency humanitarian aid by NGOs, the business community, and the government. Furthermore, the JICA survey team has started a needs assessment for future recovery and reconstruction.
- Japan intends to continue to provide support to Japan’s longtime friend, Sri Lanka, for the earliest possible recovery and reconstruction of the affected areas.
(Reference1) Implementing agencies, areas of assistance, and the amount of contributions
- IOM: Non-food Items and Shelters [USD 1 million]
- WFP: Food [USD 1 million]
- UNICEF: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and Child Protection [USD 0.5 million]
(Reference2) Situation Summary (as of December 16)
In Sri Lanka, in addition to the inclement weather due to the monsoon that had persisted since mid-November, Cyclone “Ditwah” hit Sri Lanka on November 27 (local time), causing heavy rainfall in a wide range of areas. As of December 16, the disaster has resulted in 643 fatalities, 183 people missing, and approximately 1.62 million people affected.