Diocese of Kurunagala & Youth Movement Launch Disaster Support Drive
2025 December 01
Diocese of Kurunagala, together with its Youth Movement, has launched an Urgent Relief Mission under the theme “Hope in Action.”
+ Click to read moreSri Lanka is facing one of its worst natural disasters in decades as Cyclone Ditwah has brought catastrophic flooding and landslides across all 25 districts. According to early assessments, over 1.4 million people have been affected, with more than 480 lives lost and over 350 individuals still missing. The scale and intensity of the destruction have disrupted essential services, damaged homes, and left hundreds of thousands displaced.
After making landfall on the eastern coast on 28 November, the cyclone triggered widespread flooding and severe landslides, isolating communities and destroying vital infrastructure. Among the affected are an estimated 275,000 children, though the actual number is expected to be higher due to communication breakdowns and inaccessible regions.
Electricity outages, damaged road networks, and blocked communication channels have further complicated relief efforts, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks, malnutrition, and unsafe living conditions.
Church of Ceylon Responds
The Church of Ceylon, through its Boards of Social Responsibility, began relief operations immediately following the storm. Clergy across districts are conducting on-ground assessments, while emergency supplies have already been dispatched to areas accessible by road.
As floodwaters gradually recede, the Church will transition from emergency relief to long-term recovery — supporting communities in rebuilding homes, restoring livelihoods, and helping families regain stability and hope.
Both Bishops Rt. Rev. Dushantha Rodrigo (Colombo) and Rt. Rev. Nishantha Fernando (Kurunagala) reaffirmed the Church’s unwavering commitment to journey with the nation through this crisis. They emphasised the importance of unity, compassion, and collective effort as Sri Lanka rebuilds from this unprecedented disaster.
During this Advent season, the Church continues to pray “Maranatha – Lord, help us to see aright”, seeking God’s guidance to respond with love and compassion to those suffering. Click here to view the full press release