The Swiss Government has given Swiss Francs (CHF) 450’000 as humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka in response to the severe impact of Cyclone Ditwah on the island. According to sources the Swiss Government has coordinated these efforts through the Disaster Management Centre and the National Disaster Relief Services Center of Sri Lanka.
Switzerland has deployed a Swiss Rapid Response Team of seven specialists from December 6-20, while supporting multi-sectoral relief efforts with civil society Organizations It is learned that the Swiss assistance will consist of three complementary actions: deployment of 7 Swiss WASH/Cash/Shelter experts for two weeks to most affected areas, contribution of Non-Food-Items thought Sri Lankan civil society organizations and cash-transfer to affected families.
Switzerland, through the Jaffna Social Action Center (JSAC), is also providing Non-Food Item (NFI) emergency relief to approximately 400–500 critically affected and vulnerable families in Mannar, Mullaitivu, and Kilinochchi.