The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed a contribution of USD 500,000 from the Government of the Republic of Korea (ROK) to provide urgent cash assistance to families affected by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka. This funding will support the government’s ongoing relief efforts and enable WFP to deliver cash transfers to nearly 32,000 people, or 8,000 households, whose livelihoods, incomes, and access to markets have been severely disrupted by the cyclone.
The assistance will be delivered through established financial service providers using a secure transfer system, ensuring that aid reaches families quickly, safely, and transparently. The cash transfers will allow affected households to purchase food and essential items locally, giving them the flexibility to meet their most urgent needs during this critical period.
Robert Oliver, WFP Country Director a.i. in Sri Lanka, highlighted the timeliness of the support, noting that the Republic of Korea’s contribution allows WFP to act quickly to help families access food while working in solidarity with the Sri Lankan government to reach those most at risk.
The program, funded by ROK, aligns WFP’s assistance with national benchmarks for the cost of a basic diet, providing each household with cash sufficient for a family of four. This support is intended to help families cover essential food needs as they begin the recovery process.
H.E. Miyon Lee, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Sri Lanka, expressed condolences to families affected by the cyclone and emphasized confidence in the country’s resilience. She also thanked WFP, a long-standing ROK partner in Sri Lanka, for implementing the program and supporting vulnerable communities during this challenging time.
