Emergency aid for landslide victims in Sri Lanka

Field report: Humanitarian relief after Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands In the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands faced a severe humanitarian crisis. The majority of landslides occurred during the night of November 27th, 2025, causing widespread destruction and affecting infrastructure, agricultural land, and entire communities. In the weeks following the cyclone, our team at the Forest Healing Foundation focused on assessing damage, supporting local recovery efforts, and coordinating emergency assistance.

Our field mission began on December 15, 2025, in Udadumbara. Conditions remained unstable, and a new landslide blocked the access road just hours before our arrival. We spoke with local residents about how the landslides had affected their homes and livelihoods, gaining a clear understanding of the extent of the destruction. At one of the affected sites, we encountered Rosie, a dog that had remained there for two weeks and had assisted search teams in locating her owners. Supporting her relocation to a new family became a small but meaningful part of our work on site.

On December 16, we traveled to Nugethanna to carry out an emergency aid distribution. Logistics were challenging, but close coordination with local leaders and their official registries allowed us to identify those most in need. All aid packages were personally sourced and assembled by our team. We initially prepared 85 custom kits, but after identifying 18 additional individuals requiring support, we procured the remaining items locally to ensure no one was excluded. In total, 103 people received essential aid.

The total expenditure for this operation was 247,474.92 LKR (approximately 761 EUR or 825 USD). Each person received a food ration kit containing: 5 kg rice 1 kg dhal 1 kg sugar 1 kg potatoes 1 kg onions 1 kg salt 1 pack soy meat

During a meeting at the local preschool, we spoke directly with affected community members, with representatives expressing their appreciation through formal speeches. After the distribution, we visited a nearby landslide site where an entire family had lost their lives. We recorded an interview at this location, which is available on our project page as part of our ongoing documentation.

When we reached Meemure on January 15, 2026, the immediate danger of further landslides had passed. However, the structural damage remained extensive. Several roads had collapsed, requiring us to walk the final kilometers to conduct field interviews. At one destroyed home, a family invited us for tea at the remains of their house. This gesture reflected the resilience and dignity of the people, who continued to show generosity and openness despite having lost their homes. We also recorded interviews with several affected families, who shared their experiences and outlined their most urgent needs for future support. This video material will be made available shortly.

These field visits helped clarify our current priorities. While the Forest Healing Foundation’s long-term focus lies in reforestation and ecological restoration, we recognize that affected families currently face urgent humanitarian needs. The destruction of agricultural land and crops, including pepper plantations, has eliminated income sources for many households. At the same time, basic necessities such as feminine hygiene products have become unaffordable, and many children lack school bags and essential furniture for studying.

Our ongoing strategy is guided by the responsibility to ensure that every donation is used effectively and transparently. At the time of this report, we have not yet received official confirmation from authorities in Meemure to formalize a distribution plan, despite several attempts to establish contact. We assume that local authorities are under significant pressure due to the scale of the disaster, which may limit their capacity to respond promptly.

While we remain hopeful that targeted assistance in Meemure will be possible in the future, we have decided to focus our immediate efforts on communities such as Nugethanna. Following the distribution on December 16, we have stayed in close contact with official representatives there. They have proactively requested further assistance, reflecting the trust that has been built through our work. Residents have specifically identified the need for school supplies, including books and rucksacks, to ensure children can continue their education. By prioritizing verified needs, we ensure that donor contributions reach affected families directly and without delay.