The Irish Government has approved the immediate release of €500,000 (approximately Rs. 180 million) to Sri Lanka in response to a request made by a Sri Lankan resident in Ireland, urging the Irish Prime Minister and Cabinet to provide urgent assistance to those affected by Cyclone Ditwah.
The appeal was made by Dimuth Jayasinghearachchi, a Sri Lankan who has been living in Ireland for 25 years. Dimuth, an alumnus of D.S. Senanayake College, is known as a dedicated member of the Sri Lankan community in Ireland.
The Government of Ireland’s decision to release €500,000 in humanitarian relief was officially announced by Ireland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee, and the Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neil Richmond.
In an official statement, Minister Helen McEntee said that the Government of Sri Lanka had requested international support following the widespread loss of life and destruction caused by Cyclone **Ditwah**. She stated that Ireland is responding to this call by assisting with the immediate needs of communities affected by severe flooding, landslides, and large-scale displacement.
Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neil Richmond, described Cyclone **Ditwah** as one of the worst natural disasters Sri Lanka has faced in recent years. He noted that the Sri Lanka Red Cross is already active on the ground, providing first aid, and distributing water, food, and shelter, while also helping families search for missing loved ones. He further stated that Ireland’s contribution will be released through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
