Japan to grant US$2.5m to 3 international agencies for Sri Lanka relief

The Government of Japan has decided to extend an emergency grant of US$2.5 million to Sri Lanka to support humanitarian relief efforts following widespread destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah, Japanese authorities said Tuesday.

The emergency assistance will be implemented through the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), focusing on urgent needs including food, shelter and essential non-food items.

Under the assistance package, Japan will provide US$1 million to IOM for non-food items and emergency shelter support, US$1 million to WFP for food assistance, and US$500,000 to UNICEF for water, sanitation and hygiene services as well as child protection initiatives.

In addition, Japan plans to carry out further support activities through the Japan Platform (JPF), a mechanism for emergency humanitarian assistance involving non-governmental organizations, the private sector and the Japanese government. A survey team from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has also begun a needs assessment to support future recovery and reconstruction efforts.

Japan said it remains committed to assisting Sri Lanka, describing the country as a longtime friend, and pledged continued support to help ensure the earliest possible recovery and rebuilding of cyclone-affected areas.

Cyclone Ditwah struck Sri Lanka on Nov. 27, following weeks of severe monsoon weather since mid-November, triggering heavy rainfall across large parts of the island. As of Dec. 16, authorities report 643 deaths, 183 people missing and approximately 1.62 million people affected by the disaster. (Newswire)

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