🚨 Ditwah Cyclone Cost Estimated at 1-3% of GDP; Call for National Infrastructure Bond

• First Capital CEO Dilshan Wirasekara estimates the initial economic cost of Cyclone Ditwah at US$ 200 Mn to US$ 2.9 Bn, warning the final tally is likely to reach a substantial 1–3% of GDP. • The main impacts needing attention are infrastructure damage, agricultural output losses/supply-side disruptions, and the human toll. • A major, out-of-the-box solution is urged: the immediate issuance of a large-scale, Government-backed National Infrastructure Bond to finance reconstruction. • Funding needs are estimated to start at a minimum of US$ 30-40 Mn, potentially up to US$ 500 Mn, to meet the scale of the damage. • The Bond should utilize the Cabinet-approved ‘Rebuild Sri Lanka Fund’ platform and target both domestic and international investors. • Investment banks are urged to collaborate on the effort at zero fees, prioritizing national interest over commercial returns.