COLOMBO, Sri Lanka: Pakistan has significantly ramped up its humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka as the country struggles with the devastating aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which triggered the worst flooding in decades.
Sri Lanka continues to grapple with the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which hit the country in late November, causing widespread floods and landslides. Authorities have described the disaster as the worst flooding in decades, reporting at least 479 fatalities and 336 people still missing.
Under the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has intensified relief operations, working tirelessly to support communities most affected by the severe storm.
The NDMA’s efforts form part of Pakistan’s commitment to providing timely and effective aid to Sri Lanka during this humanitarian crisis.
As part of the ongoing relief operations, the NDMA dispatched an additional 80 tons of essential relief goods from Lahore to Colombo on Thursday via SriLankan Airlines. The shipment includes critical items such as tarpaulins, dry milk, and other emergency supplies designed to meet the immediate needs of affected families.
“In yet another bounteous gesture of humanitarian support NDMA in coordination with Sri Lankan airline, has sent 80 Tons of humanitarian assistance in 4 trips,” the Pakistan High Commission said in a post on X.
*Always standing together* 🇵🇰🤝🇱🇰
*Pakistan stands with Sri Lankans —*
In yet another bounteous gesture of humanitarian support Pakistan National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in coordination with Sri Lankan airline has sent 80 Tons of humanitarian assistance in 4 trips pic.twitter.com/pM0vBvaOl6
— Pakistan High Commission Sri Lanka (@PakinSriLanka) December 4, 2025
In addition to material aid, Pakistan has deployed its elite Search and Rescue Team from the Army, which is actively participating in rescue and relief efforts in Sri Lanka. The team is assisting local authorities in reaching stranded communities and providing support to those impacted by the storm.
Further reinforcing Pakistan’s humanitarian response, a Pakistan Air Force C-130 aircraft carrying a 47-member relief team along with 6.5 tons of essential equipment has arrived in Sri Lanka.
Simultaneously, the NDMA has sent 200 tons of relief supplies via a naval vessel, ensuring that critical aid reaches the most severely affected areas.
These coordinated efforts highlight Pakistan’s strong commitment to assisting Sri Lanka in its hour of need, demonstrating solidarity and the spirit of regional cooperation in responding to natural disasters.
Officials have emphasised that Pakistan will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide additional support as required to help Sri Lanka recover from the impact of Cyclone Ditwah.
According to NDMA, it will continue sending further relief cargo through commercial flights, while Pakistan Navy ships and helicopters remain engaged in extensive humanitarian operations across affected regions.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a phone call with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, expressed sorrow over the scale of destruction and pledged continued support. Colombo thanked Islamabad for being among the first countries to respond.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka share warm, long-standing bilateral ties built on mutual respect, historical linkages — including a shared Buddhist heritage — and broad cooperation across political, defence, trade, and cultural sectors.
The two nations marked 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2023, having first established formal ties in 1948.
