Colombo, Sri Lanka continues to deal with the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, with nearly 4,700 people still residing in temporary safety centres following severe flooding and landslides, according to a recent assessment by the Shelter, Land and Site Coordination Sector.
The assessment, co-led by the International Organization for Migration and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, shows that 4,729 individuals from 1,332 families remain in 45 active safety centres across six districts: Badulla, Kegalle, Nuwara Eliya, Colombo, Matale, and Kandy.
Demographics and Vulnerable Groups
- Women: 27%
- Men: 25%
- Children under 18: 26%
- Elderly: 14%
Pregnant and lactating mothers were reported in 64% of the centres, while individuals with chronic illnesses were present in 53%. Persons with disabilities make up around 1% of the displaced population, but more than half of the centres host at least one person with a disability. However, 60% of sites are not fully accessible.
Protection and Infrastructure Challenges
- 35% of centres lack measures to prevent violence or harassment.
- 27% provide dedicated breastfeeding spaces.
- Sanitation: 202 toilets for 4,729 people, averaging 23 persons per toilet, exceeding the SPHERE standard of 20 per toilet. Few toilets are adapted for persons with disabilities.
- Health services are inconsistent: only 40% have on-site first aid or health posts, while psychosocial support is available in just over half of centres.
Management and Duration
Most centres are government-managed, and all displaced persons are registered on arrival. While some centres, particularly in Badulla and Kegalle, may remain open for more than three months, others are expected to close within one to three months as relocation plans are implemented and schools and religious institutions resume normal activities.
The report highlights the urgent need for improved accessibility, sanitation, health services, and protection measures for displaced populations in Sri Lanka.
