🇱🇰 SL Economy on Track: Treasury Activates Rs. 30 Bn for Ditwah Relief

Treasury Secretary confirms Cyclone Ditwah will test but not derail the 2026 economic trajectory and reform agenda, stressing fiscal discipline is intact. No major deviation from initial projections is expected. • Business Support: Govt. is in active dialogue with banking and insurance sectors to support households and SMEs affected by the crisis, aiming to minimise business disruption and income losses. • Immediate Fiscal Response: Rs. 30 Billion from pre-provisioned emergency Budget lines is set aside for immediate challenges. An initial Rs. 7.5 Billion has been authorised for housing support/rebuilding. • Swift Implementation: Spending powers have been delegated: District Secretaries can use up to Rs. 50 Mn and Ministerial Secretaries up to Rs. 150 Mn to speed up immediate relief. • Recovery Mechanisms: A rapid damage assessment is underway with World Bank support (initial understanding expected in 2 weeks). A new "Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund," involving the private sector, has been approved for medium-term reconstruction. • Relief Logistics: Customs has introduced a fast-track system for relief goods (DMC-marked consignments) with zero taxes and fees. Public donations received so far exceed Rs. 300 Million.