Immediately following the cyclone, A-PAD Sri Lanka deployed a search-and-rescue team to execute lifesaving operations and facilitate evacuations. In coordination with government agencies and local partners, the organization also distributed essential relief supplies across the most affected regions.

As of January 22, 2026, the humanitarian situation remains critical. More than 160,000 individuals remain displaced in evacuation centers or host homes. Restoring basic living conditions and reopening schools are currently the most significant challenges facing these communities. In response, A-PAD Sri Lanka is implementing a comprehensive support strategy that spans emergency relief, early recovery, and long-term reconstruction.

Back to School Support (Nuwara Eliya District and Puttalam District)

From January 14 to 16, 2026, A-PAD Sri Lanka and HSBC partnered to distribute study kits to children across the Nuwara Eliya and Puttalam districts. This initiative focused on seven damaged and remote primary and secondary schools, facilitating a return to education for students impacted by the recent cyclone. The distribution was executed in close coordination with school administrators and local community leaders.

Study kits

Distributing study kits to students

A parent of one of the students who received support said, “Our home was damaged in the cyclone, and we are currently living with relatives. It’s difficult to make ends meet, so the study kits have been a great help to our family.”

Distributing study kits in Nuwara Eliya District

Water Purifiers Distribution (Puttalam)

On January 22, 2026, A-PAD Sri Lanka, in cooperation with local government agencies, distributed home and community water purifiers to affected households in Karuwalagaswewa, Puttalam District. During the distribution, A-PAD Sri Lanka also provided demonstrations and explanations on how to use the water purifiers, helping to create an environment where local residents can have access to safe water

The provision of the water purifiers was made possible through a donation from the UK charity Aquabox, free air transport by Airlink, and tax exemption procedures by the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) and the National Disaster Relief Services Centre (NDRSC).

Demonstration on how to use a water purifier

A-PAD Sri Lanka’s cyclone relief efforts are made possible by donations from individual and organizational donors. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all those who have supported us. A-PAD Sri Lanka will continue its relief efforts in collaboration with various sectors and partner organizations to save more lives in less time and achieve a sustainable recovery.