“When Cyclone Ditwah swept across Sri Lanka in November 2025, affecting over 2 million people, it was the latest chapter in a pattern of intensifying climate-related hazards reshaping the island’s risk landscape.”

“Average temperatures in the country could rise by 1.5 to 3.4°C within this century.”

“Over the past 40 years, Sri Lanka has experienced flood-related damage every year, ranging from localised events to nationwide disasters.”

“During Cyclone Ditwah, intense rainfall damaged irrigation tanks, triggering spillovers that inundated paddy fields, disrupting thousands of farming households.”

“The impacts cascade across sectors and systems. During Cyclone Ditwah, intense rainfall damaged irrigation tanks, triggering spillovers that inundated paddy fields, disrupting thousands of farming households. What began as a meteorological event escalated into a food, livelihood and economic crises, affecting approximately 2.3 million people.”

“The Government moved swiftly to coordinate response efforts. At the same time, it launched a Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA), supported by the UN system, the European Union, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.”

“The PDNA utilises a data-driven methodology to estimate damages, losses and recovery needs, that guide long-term recovery planning.”

“In some areas, irrigation systems had already been strengthened through the government’s Climate Resilient Integrated Water Management initiative, supported by UNDP.”

“Farmers also received localised weather forecasts and agro-meteorological advisories, like practical guidance on when to plant crops, how to manage irrigation, and how to prepare for extreme weather.”

“When Cyclone Ditwah brought intense rainfall, these measures made a significant difference. Reinforced water tanks and canals helped the systems withstand heavy inflows. Farmers released excess water early, protecting crops and preventing damage to water storage structures.”

“The National Disaster Management Coordination Committee (NDMCC) in Sri Lanka has a key role to play.”

“Infrastructure alone accounted for 42 percent of total damage, followed by residential buildings at 24 percent.”

“After Hurricane Melissa in 2025, one of the strongest hurricanes ever recorded globally, Jamaica received nearly $92 million in rapid insurance payouts, enabling faster emergency response and early recovery efforts.”

“The PDNA is also identifying more preventative measures such as stronger building standards, better drainage and flood protection for key transport routes, strategies for safely managing industrial waste and improved zoning of industrial parks away from high-risk river basins.”

“Disaster risk reduction requires coordinated action across infrastructure, ecosystems and finance.”

“Since its inception, CCRIF has delivered over $480 million in payouts to member countries following natural hazards and extreme weather events.”

“Risk financing instruments, be it contingency funds, credit lines or insurance mechanisms, are designed to secure resources in advance so that they can be released quickly after a shock.”

“The recently launched National Climate Finance Strategy by the Government of Sri Lanka identifies disaster risk insurance among key financial instruments.”