Sri Lanka has formally requested financial assistance from China to help rebuild key infrastructure damaged by Cyclone Dithwa, which struck the island in November and left at least 641 people dead, the country’s foreign minister said on Monday.
Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath made the request during talks in Colombo with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. According to Herath, Sri Lanka is seeking Chinese support for the reconstruction of roads, railways, and bridges that were severely damaged by the cyclone.
Herath said he asked the Chinese government to assist with rebuilding essential infrastructure, noting that the destruction has placed significant strain on Sri Lanka’s recovery efforts. In response, Wang Yi assured him that he would personally follow up on the matter, signaling Beijing’s willingness to help.
Cyclone Dithwa triggered widespread flooding and landslides across Sri Lanka, forcing an estimated 2.3 million people—around 10 percent of the country’s population—to flee their homes. The storm caused extensive damage to public infrastructure, residential buildings, and agricultural land.
The World Bank has estimated total losses at no less than $4.1 billion, underscoring the scale of the reconstruction challenge facing the island nation.
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