A press release from the Church of Ceylon regarding the devastating impact of Cyclone Ditwah on the people of Sri Lanka

The Diocese of Colombo and the Diocese of Kurunegala

5 Dec 2025

Cyclone Ditwah brings worst flooding in decades to Sri Lanka, killing hundreds

Sri Lanka is facing one of the worst disasters in two decades with over 1.4 million people affected and more than 480 reported dead so far, and over 350 missing after Cyclone Ditwah unleashed catastrophic flooding and landslides across the island. All 25 districts have been affected.

After making landfall on the East coast on the 28th November, the storm caused widespread floods and devastating landslides. Initial estimates over 275,000 children are among the 1.4 million affected although the number could be much higher because of disrupted communication and blocked access routes.

The severe damage to houses and vital infrastructure along with the disruption of essential services has caused widespread displacement and the risk of the outbreak of disease, malnutrition and unsafe living conditions and emotional stress among the people. Disruption to electricity and communication and transport networks has hindered contact with those affected.

In history, we have not witnessed a disaster of this magnitude that has affected an entire country. The Ditwah Cyclone has disrupted the lives of Sri Lankans across the nation. As a country, our people have looked forward with renewed hope in recent months, working hard to bring stability to all aspects of society and to elevate the living conditions of all. Yet this catastrophe has slowed that progress. Nevertheless, we remain confident that, as a nation, we can stand firmly together.

The Church of Ceylon through its Boards of Social Responsibility began working immediately after the cyclone. Assessments are being made through clergy in the districts to ascertain intervention. Immediate relief has been sent to the districts wherever there has been access. As the waters recede, the process of recovery and rebuilding will begin.

As the Church of Ceylon, we are committed to collaborating with all to uplift the lives of our beloved people. We are journeying through this challenge together with the government and the rest of society, united in our resolve to rebuild, uplift, and restore hope and confidence to the lives of all people, regardless of their background or identity. We trust that our Creator God is guiding us toward a better future.

During the season of Advent, our prayer, along with the people of the Church, is Maranatha – Lord help us to see a right. Give us a new vision to understand what you are showing us, so that we may respond with love and compassion in this situation of hopelessness.

The Right Reverend Dushantha Rodrigo, Bishop of Colombo

The Right Reverend Nishanha Fernando, Bishop of Kurunagala