Japan Dispatches Aid and Assessment Team to Cyclone-Ravaged Sri Lanka

Japan Extends Emergency Assistance to Sri Lanka

In response to the severe devastation wrought by Cyclone Ditwah, Japan has dispatched a medical assessment team and emergency aid to Sri Lanka. The decision, made on November 29, 2025, underscores Japan's commitment to humanitarian assistance and its strong bilateral ties with Sri Lanka. The aid aims to support the island nation grappling with one of its worst natural disasters in two decades.

JICA Team Deploys for On-Ground Assessment

A specialized assessment team, comprising four members including staff from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and medical personnel, departed Japan on November 30, 2025. Their primary mission is to evaluate the immediate medical needs of the affected population and to coordinate the potential deployment of a larger Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) team. This proactive measure ensures that aid efforts are tailored to the specific requirements on the ground, maximizing their effectiveness.

Emergency Supplies and Widespread Devastation

Alongside the assessment team, Japan has provided crucial emergency relief goods through JICA. These supplies include essential items such as tents and blankets, intended to offer immediate shelter and comfort to those displaced by the cyclone. Cyclone Ditwah made landfall in Sri Lanka on November 28, 2025, unleashing torrential rainfall, widespread flooding, and destructive landslides across the country. The impact has been catastrophic, with official reports indicating:

• A death toll of 334 individuals.
• Approximately 400 people missing.
• Over 1.3 million people affected across all 25 districts.
• More than 15,000 homes destroyed.
• Over 200 roads rendered impassable and at least 10 bridges damaged.

The hardest-hit areas include districts such as Gampaha, Colombo, Puttalam, Mannar, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Kandy, Badulla, and Matale. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared a state of emergency to facilitate relief and rescue operations.

Statements of Solidarity

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi conveyed her profound condolences to the victims and their families, stating, 'I am deeply saddened by the loss of many precious lives caused by the cyclone that hit Sri Lanka.' She further emphasized that Japan's decision to provide assistance was 'based on a humanitarian perspective and in view of our friendly relations with Sri Lanka.' This swift response highlights the international solidarity with Sri Lanka during this challenging period.