WCAworld Foundation Supports Humanitarian Relief Following Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka

The WCAworld Foundation mobilised immediate support following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, reinforcing its commitment to rapid, direct-response humanitarian aid through WCAworld’s global member network.

After the cyclone made landfall in Sri Lanka in November 2025, communities across the island faced severe flooding, landslides, and widespread displacement. In response, the WCAworld Foundation directed funds raised through its global network to support a locally led relief initiative delivered in partnership with WCAworld member Freight Links International (FLI) Colombo.

This approach reflects the Foundation’s core model - working directly with trusted members on the ground to ensure that funds are deployed quickly, efficiently, and exactly where they are needed. By removing reliance on external agencies, 100% of donations are channelled into frontline support for affected communities.

Freight Links International played a central role in the execution of the project, leveraging its local expertise, logistics infrastructure, and established community relationships to coordinate procurement, transportation, and final-mile distribution of relief supplies. Their on-the-ground presence enabled rapid mobilisation and ensured that aid reached even the most difficult-to-access areas, despite damaged infrastructure and challenging conditions.

Relief efforts were implemented across two of the hardest-hit regions, focusing on both immediate household recovery and longer-term community needs.

In the Kegalle District, where landslides resulted in fatalities and the destruction of homes, essential household items were distributed to families who had lost everything. These included cooking equipment, furniture, and food supplies, helping restore basic living conditions and enabling families to begin rebuilding their daily lives.

A second phase in the Mannar District focused on supporting children impacted by flooding and infrastructure damage. School supplies, including backpacks and footwear vouchers, were provided to help students return to education with dignity and stability following the disaster.

All distributions were carried out in close coordination with local community leaders, including religious and educational representatives, ensuring that assistance was delivered transparently and to those most in need. This collaborative approach, supported by Freight Links’ local knowledge and operational oversight, was key to the effectiveness of the response.

The success of this initiative highlights the strength of the WCAworld Foundation’s global network- combining international support with local expertise to deliver meaningful, immediate impact in times of crisis.

As recovery efforts continue, the need for ongoing support remains. The WCAworld Foundation continues to work closely with its members worldwide to respond to emergencies as they arise, ensuring that communities receive timely and effective assistance when it matters most.

Further information about the WCAworld Foundation and how to support its work can be found at: https://wcaworldfoundation.org