Japan Formally Conveys USD 2.5M Emergency Aid Decision to Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st); Akio Isomata, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath to formally convey Japan’s decision to extend USD 2.5 million in Emergency Grant Assistance to Sri Lanka.

The decision, made on 16th December, comes in response to the extensive damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

The assistance will be implemented in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), ensuring comprehensive support for affected communities.

Breakdown of Assistance

Through IOM:

Japan will provide USD 1 million for 615 shelter kits, including kitchen sets, wash kits, and bedding kits, targeting severely affected households in Kandy, Badulla, and Kegalle.

Through WFP:

Another USD 1 million will fund emergency food assistance for families residing in safety shelters across Kandy, Badulla, Nuwara Eliya, and Kegalle, enabling them to purchase essential food items.

Through UNICEF:

A further USD 500,000 will support water, sanitation, and child protection initiatives in Central, Uva, Eastern, Western, and North Western Provinces, including:

Supplying emergency water and sanitation materials

Repairing water supply facilities

Promoting hygiene practices to prevent waterborne diseases

Minister Herath expressed deep appreciation for Japan’s timely assistance and commended its continued support, including earlier emergency relief goods provided through JICA and the deployment of the Japan Disaster Relief Medical Team.

Ambassador Isomata emphasized that this aid reflects the strong bond of trust and friendship between Japan and Sri Lanka:

“Japan stands in full solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka during this difficult period.”