Country: Sri Lanka Source: United Nations Population Fund Please refer to the attached file. Following Cyclone Ditwah, which made landfall in November 2025, Sri Lanka remains in a protracted recovery phase, with 2.2 million people affected and displacement shifting from large-scale sheltering to more dispersed, longer-term arrangements. While conditions in safety centres have improved, significant gaps persist, including inadequate sanitation, limited lighting and weak gender-based violence (GBV) risk mitigation measures. Women and girls, particularly those in estate communities, continue to face heightened protection risks, compounded by economic stress and disrupted services. Access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care remains a concern, especially for pregnant and lactating women, while broader needs such as mental health and psychosocial support are increasing. UNFPA, in coordination with government and partners, is transitioning its response towards early recovery, with a focus on restoring and strengthening access to integrated SRH and GBV services in the most affected districts. Efforts include rehabilitating health facilities, delivering services through temporary points where needed and expanding community-based interventions, including youth engagement and awareness. Safe spaces for women and girls are being established and scaled up, alongside training for front-line workers and government officials to improve GBV prevention and response. At the same time, UNFPA is strengthening coordination mechanisms, supporting referral pathways and reinforcing accountability to affected people to ensure services are inclusive, responsive and aligned with evolving needs. To sustain these efforts, UNFPA launched an appeal for US$8.3 million to deliver life-saving SRH and GBV services. To date, US$1,214,356 has been mobilized, representing 15 per cent of the total requirement, leaving a significant funding gap. Contributions from the Governments of Australia and New Zealand, the UNFPA Humanitarian Thematic Fund and internal resources have supported ongoing response activities, alongside in-kind assistance such as dignity kits, maternity kits and cash support. Additional funding is critical to maintain essential services and support recovery for affected communities.

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