Japan-backed shelters handed over to Cyclone Ditwah-affected families in Kandy

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Government of Japan, in partnership with the Sri Lankan Government, have handed over 63 transitional shelters to families affected by Cyclone Ditwah in Kandy.

The shelters are part of a programme to construct 135 transitional homes across Kandy, Badulla and Nuwara Eliya districts.

At the height of the disaster, nearly 300,000 people were displaced, with many families losing their homes or being forced to leave high-risk areas.

Kandy District Secretary Indika Udawatte said the Central Province had been among the worst affected areas, with significant damage to housing and livelihoods.

The shelters were built in line with Sri Lankan Government priorities and the UN Humanitarian Priorities Plan, and were designed to meet international standards while adapting to local needs.

Japanese Ambassador Akio Isomata said the project had been implemented through cooperation between government agencies, the armed forces, local communities and other partners.

He said Japan also planned further assistance for road reconstruction and disaster risk reduction, in addition to ongoing support for a Doppler radar station in Puttalam to strengthen weather forecasting and early warning systems.

Under the same Japan-funded project, IOM has distributed 3,000 essential household kits and 1,000 shelter repair toolkits, while supporting the construction of transitional shelters. The assistance has reached more than 20,000 people.

IOM Sri Lanka and Maldives Chief of Mission Kristin Parco said the shelters marked an important step in helping affected families recover, restore their livelihoods and strengthen their resilience.

IOM and Japan said they would continue working with the Sri Lankan Government and other partners to strengthen disaster risk management and support vulnerable communities.