Government to hold talks with ADB on post-disaster recovery

13-Aug-2026

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The Cabinet has approved negotiations with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to implement reconstruction and livelihood assistance programmes following the Ditwah cyclone disaster.

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa made the announcement while briefing the media on Cabinet decisions at the Government Information Department on August 11.

According to his announcement, Cabinet had approved at its meeting held on June 15, 2026, the initiation of discussions with the Asian Development Bank to obtain loan facilities for implementing “post-Ditwah cyclone disaster reconstruction and livelihood assistance programmes”.

Accordingly, based on the negotiations conducted, the proposed loan facility will comprise US$100 million from the concessional ordinary capital resources of the Asian Development Bank and a further US$100 million from its regular ordinary capital resources.

The loan facility is expected to be utilised for three key components: the rehabilitation and reconstruction of road infrastructure damaged by the cyclone disaster; restoring damaged irrigation infrastructure to normal operation; and restoring the livelihoods and homes of affected families.

Accordingly, Cabinet approved the proposal submitted by President, in his capacity as Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, to enter into the necessary financing agreements to obtain the relevant financial facilities from the Asian Development Bank, he said.