Japan, UNDP launch recovery project for Cyclone Ditwah-affected communities
COLOMBO – The Government of Japan and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), in partnership with the Government of Sri Lanka, on Wednesday (10) launched a new recovery initiative aimed at restoring essential services, addressing pressing environmental risks and strengthening resilience in communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah.
The initiative, titled ‘Project for Disaster Waste Clearance and Rehabilitation of Community Facilities through Participatory Approach in Communities Affected by the Cyclone’, the initiative was formally signed by Ambassador to Sri Lanka Akio Isomata and UNDP Sri Lanka Resident Representative Azusa Kubota. Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government S. Alokabandara also attended the event, alongside representatives from other government institutions and partner organizations.
The initiative, a response to Cyclone Ditwah, which struck Sri Lanka in late November 2025 and affected an estimated 1.7 million people across the country, will focus on supporting recovery efforts in the Central Province, particularly in the districts of Kandy, Matale, and Nuwara Eliya, which sustained extensive damage to infrastructure and public services.
Under the project, disaster-related recyclable and light waste will be collected and managed using electric three-wheelers, while damaged community facilities providing healthcare, education, childcare, and social services will be rehabilitated.
The program is expected to directly benefit approximately 228,500 people, while a further 700,000 residents are expected to benefit indirectly through improved service delivery and strengthened waste management systems.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Isomata, noting that the whole-of-society approach was essential for effective disaster risk reduction and management, said the project would promote a participatory and sustainable recovery process while strengthening community resilience and social cohesion.
“Guided by the concept of ‘Build Back Better,’ Japan will continue to work closely with Sri Lanka in strengthening its preparedness, response and recovery capacities to help the country become more resilient to future disasters,” he said.
Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Dr. A.H.M.H. Abayarathna described the initiative as an important milestone in Sri Lanka’s post-disaster recovery efforts.
“By restoring critical community infrastructure and improving waste management systems, we are ensuring that affected communities can regain access to essential services and rebuild their lives with dignity,” the minister said.
UNDP Resident Representative Kubota said recovery efforts should go beyond rebuilding damaged infrastructure and focus on strengthening resilience against future shocks.
“Through this initiative, UNDP will work with communities to restore critical services and further strengthen resilience to future disasters,” she added.
In addition to addressing immediate recovery needs, the project will create livelihood opportunities through community-based waste collection and facility rehabilitation activities, with a particular focus on women and vulnerable groups.
-ENCL
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