🇱🇰 Cyclone Ditwah Relief & Responsible Foreign Aid Management 🤝

• Humanitarian Crisis: Cyclone Ditwah has caused over 450 deaths and a similar number missing, with extensive infrastructure damage and severe displacement, placing immense pressure on national resources. • Swift Regional Support: India was the first to deploy air/naval assets and rescue teams. Pakistan followed closely with naval and medical personnel. Bangladesh has also committed specialized teams and material assistance, highlighting regional solidarity. • Global Aid Pledges: The US pledged US$ 2 Million for immediate relief and recovery efforts. China announced emergency relief packages, and the Maldives extended financial and material supplies. • SL Govt. Strategy: All foreign-remitted disaster-relief funds are being channeled to the Central Bank to strengthen financial accountability and allow for unified resource deployment based on national needs. • Tsunami Lessons Applied: Government prioritizes a disciplined approach, ensuring aid is coordinated through national systems. Key focus areas are: 1. Careful screening of material assistance to avoid unsuitable donations (e.g., winter jackets, expired medicines). 2. Converting goodwill pledges into actionable, funded commitments. 3. Maintaining transparent accounting through modern systems to rebuild public trust. • Outlook: This aims to help Sri Lanka not only rebuild but also build back stronger with more resilient systems.