World Bank approves 110 mln USD for cyclone-hit roads in Sri Lanka

The World Bank on Wednesday approved 110 million U.S. dollars to help Sri Lanka repair and reconstruct 600 km of roads severely damaged by Cyclone Ditwah.

Issuing a press release, the World Bank said the financing will prioritize roads that restore access to markets, schools and health facilities in communities most severely affected by the cyclone.

The reconstructed roads will incorporate climate-resilient features, including improved drainage systems, landslide protection measures and updated engineering standards designed to withstand extreme weather events.

The new financing will extend the ongoing Inclusive Connectivity and Development Project by three years, bringing total World Bank investment in Sri Lanka's transport connectivity under the operation to 610 million dollars.

The investment is expected to directly benefit more than 830,000 people and reach nearly 2 million people across eight districts. It is also expected to create about 5,671 new or improved jobs in reconstruction and maintenance and benefit nearly 22,000 tea, vegetable and paddy farmers by reconnecting them with buyers and supply chains.

Cyclone Ditwah struck Sri Lanka in November 2025, causing an estimated 4.1 billion dollars in damage and affecting nearly 2 million people across all 25 districts.

The transport sector sustained about 973 million dollars in damage, including nearly 2,000 km of provincial roads, more than 3,500 km of rural roads and close to 700 bridges. Recovery needs in the sector are estimated at 1.31 billion dollars.

The project is aligned with the World Bank Group's Country Partnership Framework for Sri Lanka for 2026-2030, which identifies resilient infrastructure and connectivity as key foundations for recovery and private sector-led growth, the press release said.