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  • Publication | 2025
GIEWS Update - The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, 16 December 2025
Global Food and Nutrition Security

In late November 2025, Cyclone Storm Ditwah struck the country, causing widespread devastation. Heavy rains triggered severe flooding and landslides, resulting in loss of life and severe damage to the agriculture sector, particularly to the 2026 main Maha paddy crop, the country's main staple food, as well as to maize and vegetables. Early assessments indicate extensive damage to housing and critical agricultural infrastructure, destruction of fishery and livestock assets, and loss of households' food stocks. Farmers' financial capacity was already severely strained following the prolonged 2019–2024 economic crisis, limiting their ability to replant the lost 2026 main Maha crops and cultivate the forthcoming 2026 Yala season. Urgent support to affected farmers is required to protect productive capacity and prevent significant agricultural production shortfalls.