'Build Back Better' - Japan, UNDP Target Hard-Hit Communities

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has taken a major step forward in its recovery from the devastating impacts of Cyclone Ditwah, as the Government of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Government of Sri Lanka, signed a new project on June 10 aimed at rebuilding affected communities and strengthening long-term resilience.

The initiative, titled “Project for Disaster Waste Clearance and Rehabilitation of Community Facilities through Participatory Approach in Communities Affected by the Cyclone,” will focus on restoring essential services, addressing urgent environmental risks, and empowering communities to rebuild stronger after the storm that impacted an estimated 1.7 million people nationwide in late November 2025.

Under the project, the Government of Japan has committed 208 million Japanese Yen, approximately USD 1.33 million, to support critical recovery efforts.

The agreement was formally signed by Japan’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Akio Isomata, and UNDP Resident Representative Azusa Kubota, in the presence of senior government officials including S. Alokabandara, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government.

The project will be implemented primarily in Sri Lanka’s Central Province, particularly in Kandy, Matale, and Nuwara Eliya districts, areas that suffered extensive damage to infrastructure, disruptions to essential services, and the accumulation of large volumes of disaster debris.

At the heart of the initiative is an integrated and community-driven approach. The project will support the collection and management of disaster-related waste, including recyclable and light debris, through the use of electric three-wheelers. At the same time, it will rehabilitate multi-purpose community facilities that provide critical services such as healthcare, education, childcare, and social support, ensuring that communities can regain access to essential resources.

The impact of the project is expected to be far-reaching, with approximately 228,500 people set to benefit directly, while a further 700,000 individuals will gain indirect support through improved services, stronger waste management systems, and revitalized local infrastructure.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ambassador Akio Isomata highlighted the importance of collective action in disaster recovery.

“A whole-of-nation approach, involving all sectors of society, is essential to effective disaster risk reduction and management. This project aims to support recovery through a participatory and sustainable approach, thereby strengthening community resilience. By encouraging local communities to participate in the implementation of the project in such a way to empower themselves, we can strengthen social cohesion and enhance resilience to disaster. 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 Sri Lanka become even more resilient to future disasters.  The government and people of Japan will continue to stand alongside the people of Sri Lanka as its steadfast friend and partner in support of the country's journey on the path for sustainable development and resilient society.”

Reinforcing the long-term vision of the initiative, UNDP Resident Representative Azusa Kubota emphasized that recovery must go beyond rebuilding what was lost.

“Recovery is not merely about rebuilding what was lost. Rather, it is about building forward better. Through this initiative, UNDP will be working with communities to restore critical services and further strengthen resilience to future shocks. Our partnership with the Government of Sri Lanka and the Government of Japan reflects a shared commitment to inclusive, sustainable recovery that leaves no one behind.”

Beyond immediate recovery needs, the project is also designed to create livelihood opportunities through community-based waste management and infrastructure rehabilitation, with a strong emphasis on engaging women and vulnerable groups in the recovery process.

This initiative aligns closely with Sri Lanka’s broader priorities, including strengthening climate resilience, improving waste management systems, and promoting sustainable and inclusive development pathways.