ADB mobilizes 40 mln USD emergency aid for Sri Lanka following cyclone

MANILA, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Thursday said it has launched a 40-million-U.S.-dollar emergency assistance facility to support Sri Lanka's recovery from the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

The ADB said the facility will help finance essential imports, including food, medicines, and critical relief supplies, to address urgent humanitarian needs, as the country rebuilds damaged infrastructure and restores livelihoods.

The new facility is in addition to the 200 million dollars in existing ADB Trade and Supply Chain Finance Program capacity for Sri Lanka, the Manila-based bank said.

"Cyclone Ditwah has severely disrupted access to vital goods, compounding existing challenges," said ADB Country Director for Sri Lanka Takafumi Kadono.

"By partnering with Munich Re, Swiss Re, and our local banks, we are ensuring that critical supply chains for essentials remain operational. This support is crucial for immediate relief, longer-term recovery, and rehabilitation," the country director said.

Recent cyclone-induced heavy rains and massive flooding have caused extensive damage to infrastructure, housing, and agricultural land across the country, the ADB said. ■