The distribution of UK aid in the North of Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah took place when Acting British High Commissioner Theresa O'Mahony visited Jaffna on Saturday (13). The Acting High Commissioner, joined by US Deputy Head of Mission Jayne Howell and Australian High Commission humanitarian expert Laura Nicholson, delivered UK, US, and Australian relief supplies.

Aid was transported using a US Air Force C-130 Super Hercules aircraft. Working alongside Sri Lanka Air Force ground support units, the supplies were transferred to UNOPS Sri Lanka and Vriddhi partners for delivery to affected communities in Mannar, Trincomalee, and Mullaitivu. The British High Commission team also assisted UNOPS Sri Lanka and Vriddhi in distributing aid to those impacted in Mannar.


The UK promised £1 million ($1.32 million) toward relief efforts, which is channelled through the International Federation of the Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies, UNOPS Sri Lanka, Vriddhi, and other humanitarian partners.

In addition to the direct aid delivered on the ground, the UK contributes through global funds, including the UN's Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). CERF announced an allocation of $4.5 million (LKR 1.38 billion) to assist Sri Lankans impacted by Cyclone Ditwah. The UK remains CERF's largest overall donor, contributing £52 million in 2024 and over $1.9 billion in total.


As Sri Lanka recovers from the severe impacts of Cyclone Ditwah, UK Aid continues to reach communities across the country to provide life-saving support and early recovery assistance.