63 TRANSITIONAL SHELTERS OPENED FOR CYCLONE DITHWA-AFFECTED FAMILIES AT RANGALA WATHTHA
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) officially opened 63 transitional shelters constructed for families affected by Cyclone Dithwa at Rangala Waththa, Kandy, on 17 September 2026. The project, funded by the Government of Japan, was inaugurated in the presence of Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka H.E Akio Isomata, and Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe.
The ceremony was also attended by Chief of Mission IOM Sri Lanka Ms Kristin Parco. Representing the Government of Sri Lanka, Additional Secretary (Disaster Management), Ministry of Defence Mr K.G. Dharmathilake, and Additional Secretary, Ministry of Plantations and Community Infrastructure Mr Ganesha Amarasinghe were present on the occasion.
The construction of the 63 transitional shelters was supported by skilled manpower provided by the Construction Engineering Wing of Sri Lanka Air Force Base Katunayake. Sri Lanka Air Force personnel made a dedicated contribution to the project by supporting the construction of safe temporary accommodation for families affected by Cyclone Dithwa.
During the ceremony, the 63 completed transitional shelters were formally handed over to the respective beneficiary families of Rangala Waththa, marking the completion of the project and providing immediate shelter to those affected by the disaster.
The occasion was also attended by District Secretary of Kandy Mr Indika Udawatta, Chairman of Medadumbara Divisional Council Mr Ravindu Uswetakeiyawa, Commanding Officer of SLAF Disaster Management Training School Digana Group Captain Lakmal Jayathilaka, Project Engineer, Construction Engineering Wing SLAF Base Katunayake Flight Lieutenant Heshan Jayasekara, Officers from the Disaster Management Training School, Digana, personnel of the Construction Engineering Wing, representatives of Rangala Waththa Estate Management and beneficiary families.
The ceremony was also attended by Chief of Mission IOM Sri Lanka Ms Kristin Parco. Representing the Government of Sri Lanka, Additional Secretary (Disaster Management), Ministry of Defence Mr K.G. Dharmathilake, and Additional Secretary, Ministry of Plantations and Community Infrastructure Mr Ganesha Amarasinghe were present on the occasion.
The construction of the 63 transitional shelters was supported by skilled manpower provided by the Construction Engineering Wing of Sri Lanka Air Force Base Katunayake. Sri Lanka Air Force personnel made a dedicated contribution to the project by supporting the construction of safe temporary accommodation for families affected by Cyclone Dithwa.
During the ceremony, the 63 completed transitional shelters were formally handed over to the respective beneficiary families of Rangala Waththa, marking the completion of the project and providing immediate shelter to those affected by the disaster.
The occasion was also attended by District Secretary of Kandy Mr Indika Udawatta, Chairman of Medadumbara Divisional Council Mr Ravindu Uswetakeiyawa, Commanding Officer of SLAF Disaster Management Training School Digana Group Captain Lakmal Jayathilaka, Project Engineer, Construction Engineering Wing SLAF Base Katunayake Flight Lieutenant Heshan Jayasekara, Officers from the Disaster Management Training School, Digana, personnel of the Construction Engineering Wing, representatives of Rangala Waththa Estate Management and beneficiary families.
