The World Bank has approved US$ 110 million in financing to help Sri Lanka repair and reconstruct 600 kilometres of roads severely damaged by Cyclone Ditwah last year.
Provided through the International Development Association's Crisis Response Window, the financing will prioritize roads that restore access to markets, schools, and health facilities in the communities most severely affected by the cyclone, the World Bank said in a statement.
They would also be constructed to climate-resilient standards, to withstand extreme weather events.
Background
Cyclone Ditwah that struck Sri Lanka in November 2025 is estimated to have caused over US$ 4 billion in damages, with two million people affected across all 25 districts.
The World Bank stated that the transport sector sustained approximately $973 million in damages, including close to 2,000 kilometers of provincial roads, more than 3,500 kilometers of rural roads, and close to 700 bridges.
Recovery needs are estimated at US$ 1.31 billion, it also said in its statement.
Beneficiaries
This new financing extends the ongoing Inclusive Connectivity and Development Project (ICDP) by three years, bringing total World Bank investment in Sri Lanka's transport connectivity under the operation to $610 million, the World Bank said.
The investment is expected to directly benefit more than 830,000 people, with close to two million people reached across eight target districts, the statement also read.
Roughly 5,671 new or improved jobs are expected to be generated through reconstruction and maintenance activities, it also added.
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