Government Expands Cyclone Ditwah Relief to Include Housing and Places of Worship

The Sri Lankan government has initiated comprehensive housing relief programs for families affected by Cyclone Ditwah, following recent Cabinet approvals. One key initiative focuses on constructing new, 650-square-foot houses for estate-dependent families whose homes were damaged or are in high-risk areas, providing Rs. 5 million per worker and a 10-perch land plot based on Ministry of Defence guidelines. Concurrently, the Cabinet has approved an interim housing project for 1,000 displaced families currently residing in safe centres, tents, or with relatives across four districts. Initial financial assistance has also commenced, with 23 families in Badulla receiving cheques on April 27, 2026, including Rs. 500,000 for those with completely destroyed homes. Official data indicates that 6,088 houses were fully destroyed and 115,179 partially damaged by the cyclone.