Sri Lanka has asked China for urgent help to restore bridges and railway tracks damaged by Cyclone Ditwah. The cyclone hit the island in November, causing severe flooding, landslides, and widespread damage to infrastructure. The disaster has strained the country’s ability to respond and recover.
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath met with Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong and requested immediate assistance to rebuild key bridges and rail lines. He also asked China to help set up electric vehicle charging points, as the number of Chinese EVs imported into Sri Lanka has been increasing. The Chinese envoy promised support to help the country recover and rebuild.
China has already provided relief in the wake of the cyclone, donating USD 1 million in cash and relief goods worth 10 million Yuan. The Chinese Red Cross Society also contributed USD 100,000 to the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society for disaster relief.
The cyclone has had a devastating impact. Nearly 638 people have died, and 175 are still missing, according to Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre in Colombo. Entire areas of the capital were flooded, and infrastructure like the Deduru Oya Bridge collapsed under the heavy rains. Landslides and flooding continue to threaten many communities across the island.
Sri Lanka’s government and disaster authorities are working to restore essential services and rebuild damaged infrastructure, but the scale of the destruction means international support, like China’s, is crucial for recovery.
