How has Cyclone Ditwah impacted 374,000 workers in Sri Lanka?
Synopsis
The catastrophic impact of Cyclone Ditwah on Sri Lanka has left around 374,000 workers struggling amidst floods and landslides. With potential earnings losses reaching millions, urgent action is needed to support livelihoods in the affected districts. Discover how the ILO and local authorities are responding to this crisis.
Key Takeaways
374,000 workers affected by Cyclone Ditwah Potential earnings losses of 48 million dollars monthly Agricultural sectors, especially rice and tea, severely impacted Emergency cash assistance and job opportunities recommended Education system recovering with most schools reopened
Colombo, Dec 23 (NationPress) Approximately 374,000 Sri Lankan workers are situated in regions affected by the floods and landslides caused by Cyclone Ditwah, according to a preliminary employment assessment published by the International Labour Organization (ILO) on Tuesday.
The ILO stated that potential income losses in the impacted districts could amount to around 48 million US dollars monthly. Informal and low-wage workers are especially at risk, as many do not have sufficient access to social protection and safety nets to absorb shocks, as reported by Xinhua News Agency.
The organization also highlighted that agriculture and relevant sectors, including plantations and fisheries, have been significantly affected. Up to 23 percent of land used for rice cultivation has been impacted by the floods, while the renowned tea industry in the country is predicted to face output losses as high as 35 percent.
In the short term, the ILO urged the implementation of measures to sustain livelihoods, such as providing emergency cash aid and initiating relief-related job opportunities like debris removal and infrastructure rebuilding, with wages adequate to meet the household needs of workers.
The organization further encouraged support for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises through grants and subsidies to assist with repairing equipment, resuming operations, and retaining employees.
On December 16, Sri Lanka reopened most government and government-approved private schools after closures due to Cyclone Ditwah, according to a senior official.
As per Ministry of Education Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa, 9,929 out of 10,076 schools in the country have reopened, while 147 schools in three provinces remain closed due to ongoing emergency conditions. The affected provinces are Uva, Central, and North Western.
To assist students in the disaster-affected regions, the Sri Lanka Transport Board and the Sri Lanka Railway Department will offer free transportation services for schoolchildren for the rest of the year.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education has canceled third-term examinations for students in Classes 6 to 10 for the 2025 academic year.
The second phase of the third school term in Sri Lanka was originally set to commence on December 8. However, the Ministry of Education delayed the reopening of schools due to the disaster situation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
Point of View
It is our responsibility to stand with the nation during these challenging times. The impact of Cyclone Ditwah on workers and the agricultural sector is profound, necessitating immediate action to support livelihoods and restore normalcy. Our coverage will focus on the ongoing relief efforts and the resilience of the affected communities.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas in Sri Lanka were affected by Cyclone Ditwah?
Cyclone Ditwah impacted various areas, particularly in the Uva, Central, and North Western provinces.
How many workers are affected by Cyclone Ditwah?
Approximately 374,000 workers are located in areas affected by floods and landslides triggered by Cyclone Ditwah.
What measures are being taken to support the affected workers?
The ILO has called for emergency cash assistance and relief-related job opportunities to sustain livelihoods.
How has the education system been affected?
Many schools were closed due to the cyclone, but most have now reopened, with free transport services provided for students.
What is the estimated financial loss due to Cyclone Ditwah?
Potential earnings losses in the affected districts could be around 48 million US dollars per month.
