The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has introduced a priority classification system for Cyclone Ditwah compensation payments, establishing a structured framework for disbursing funds to affected families across the island.
Under the new system, areas impacted by the November 2025 cyclone are classified into high, medium and low-risk zones. High-risk areas are further sub-divided into Priority 1, 2 and 3 categories, with compensation being disbursed in sequential priority order through Divisional Secretariats.
The NBRO noted that some affected families may not receive payments in the initial phase even if neighbouring households in the same area are paid simultaneously, as disbursements are tied to the priority classification rather than geography alone.
The framework operationalises the broader political directive issued earlier this month when Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya announced a dedicated task force for Cyclone Ditwah recovery, including housing reconstruction and compensation payments.
Cyclone Ditwah, which struck Sri Lanka in November 2025, caused an estimated $4.1 billion in damage, killed 646 people and affected 2.2 million others. The OCHA funding gap for recovery remains a significant concern, with international donor pledges falling short of assessed needs.
The NBRO’s priority system aims to ensure that the most vulnerable households in the highest-risk areas receive assistance first, though the phased approach means full disbursement will extend over several months.
