President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that instead of an era in which rulers evaded responsibility by blaming disasters and pandemics, the country is now committed to rising again in the face of adversity and bequeathing a better nation to its people.
Emphasizing that the government will not use the disaster as an excuse to reverse or paralyze the programmes already planned to move the country forward on a sustainable development path through transformation across all sectors, the President called upon everyone to unite all available strengths and collectively work toward rebuilding the nation efficiently.
The President made these remarks yesterday morning (13) at the inauguration ceremony of the national programme “Rebuilding Sri Lanka”, held at the Lotus Hall of the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo.
In response to the disaster caused by Cyclone Ditwa, which affected all regions of Sri Lanka and resulted in loss of life as well as damage to public and private property, the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” programme has been launched in line with the urgent need for a highly coordinated national recovery mechanism to manage post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.
At the event, the official website www.rebuildingsrilanka.gov.lk, which includes details of financial and other donations made to the programme, was also launched.
This website has been introduced as a transparent and inclusive platform that brings together people, resources, and ideas to rebuild Sri Lanka through sustainable actions, guided by the vision of creating a strong, just, and sustainably rebuilt new Sri Lanka.
Donations can be made through the website, and full details of all contributions are displayed to ensure trust and accountability. Opportunities are provided to contribute financially, materially, through land donations, or toward specific projects. Accurate and verified information on the scale and nature of damage caused by the disaster is presented district-wise. Details of several land donations have also been uploaded to the site.
Addressing the gathering further, President Dissanayake noted that although natural disasters do not discriminate, due to existing inequalities in the country, more than 80% of those affected were economically vulnerable communities. He stressed that the decision to provide the highest compensation in Sri Lanka’s history was taken with the aim of uplifting these communities beyond their previous living standards.
He also pointed out that many nations across the world were not built by simply drifting along, but by confronting shocks, enduring them, and rebuilding stronger.
The President reaffirmed that the government will take full responsibility for every rupee received for reconstruction, safeguarding financial discipline and transparency. He stated that while he has confidence in himself, he also has strong faith in the state machinery, experts, technologists, and the uniquely compassionate character of the Sri Lankan people.
Background and Government Response
The President explained that toward the end of last year, Sri Lanka faced a massive disaster at a time when the economy was gradually recovering from the severe economic collapse experienced a few years earlier. All citizens had suffered during that crisis, and people across all sectors had become its victims.
Because of this, the public was determined that the country should never again fall into such a catastrophe. Trusting this government to build a better future, the people made the courageous decision to grant it a mandate.
After assuming office, while planning for the future and achieving notable successes in certain sectors, the country was confronted by this disaster. From many perspectives, the year 2025 marked a turning point, as Sri Lanka had begun a transformative era—strengthening the rule of law, improving public sector efficiency, changing political culture, and initiating economic and educational reforms.
Many expected this disaster to derail the government’s agenda. However, the President stated that their agenda is a sustainable national development project and that no disaster would cause them to abandon it. While it would have been easy to blame the disaster and evade responsibility—as had happened historically, including blaming decades of destruction solely on war or pandemics—the government refused to do so.
During the disaster, Parliament was in the process of preparing the national budget. Some proposed suspending it and introducing an interim or disaster-focused budget. The government rejected this approach, as the budget represented a clear vision for advancing the country, economy, and people’s lives. The budget passed in Parliament on December 5 was the same one prepared before the cyclone, which the President described as a crucial decision.
The next challenge was allocating additional funds without undermining the strategies outlined in the budget. Remaining faithful to the people’s mandate, and without yielding to any external pressures, the government introduced a supplementary estimate of Rs. 500 billion exclusively for disaster-related expenses, while retaining the ability to prioritize budget proposals as needed.
Extent of Damage and Reconstruction Plans
Approximately 700,000 families, comprising around 2.4 million people, were affected by the disaster. About 6,000 houses were completely destroyed, while approximately 110,000 suffered partial damage. An additional 10,000 houses, though structurally intact, have been deemed uninhabitable due to high-risk conditions. In total, more than 20,000 new houses must be constructed.
The 2026 budget had already planned for the construction of 31,000 new houses. Despite the war ending in 2009, many displaced families in the North still live in camps and temporary shelters. Funds of Rs. 5 billion had been allocated to build 2,500 houses for them, and this allocation was not altered. Additionally, 10,000 houses were planned for economically disadvantaged families under a participatory housing programme, with Rs. 10 billion allocated.
Altogether, over 50,000 houses will need to be constructed in 2026. With World Bank assistance, a preliminary damage estimate of USD 4.1 billion was prepared, while currently identified projects amount to approximately USD 2.8 billion, with more yet to be identified.
Vision for Long-Term Recovery
The President emphasized that societies are transformed not by passive continuity, but by shocks that test resilience and inspire rebuilding. In facing this disaster, Sri Lanka has two paths: to remain shaken, or to rise again with courage and confidence. The government has chosen the latter.
Due to social inequality, those living in unsafe areas and fragile housing—over 80% of the affected population—were the most impacted. The government’s responsibility, therefore, is not merely to restore their previous living standards, but to elevate them beyond. Accordingly, Rs. 5 million will be provided for each newly constructed house, and Rs. 500,000 will be given for partially damaged houses without requiring formal assessments, enabling families to rebuild better homes.
Concessions will also be provided to restart agriculture, livestock farming, and industries.
The response followed clear stages: rescue, provision of shelter and facilities, resettlement with allowances, restoration of electricity, communications, water, and roads within two weeks, support for livelihoods, and finally, transforming temporary structures into permanent ones.
Protecting the Central Highlands
The President described the Central Highlands as the heart of Sri Lanka, from which 103 rivers originate. Due to historical environmental degradation, deforestation, and land misuse, the region has become highly vulnerable. The current disaster is the result of centuries of imbalance.
Restoring the Central Highlands will take decades, but reviving them is essential for future generations. The government is firmly committed to preventing further damage and implementing long-term restoration plans as part of Sri Lanka’s sustainable development path.
Accountability, Solidarity, and Gratitude
The President stressed the importance of maintaining strict financial discipline during disaster recovery, as normal procedures often collapse in times of crisis. The government has pledged full accountability and transparency for every rupee received.
Public participation and trust are vital. The President expressed confidence in himself, the state machinery, experts, technologists, and above all, the compassionate spirit of the Sri Lankan people. Millions remained awake, not only those directly affected, but others moved by solidarity. Thousands volunteered their labor, and many donated from their hard-earned incomes.
He also expressed gratitude to friendly foreign nations and international organizations for their assistance in rescue, shelter, and reconstruction efforts, noting that when all strengths are woven together like strands into a strong rope, Sri Lanka can become a global example of resilient recovery.
Attendance
The event was attended by several ministers and officials, including Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti, Minister of Health and Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Power and Energy Kumara Jayakody, along with other ministers, deputy ministers, Members of Parliament, Presidential Secretary Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, ministry secretaries, public officials, foreign ambassadors, representatives of the United Nations and other international donor organizations, academics, artists, private sector representatives, security forces, and a large number of invitees.
