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World Bank Extends $120mn to Support Sri Lanka’s Cyclone Recovery

16 Dec, 2025

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The Washington-based World Bank has announced emergency assistance of USD 120 million to Sri Lanka by repurposing funds from existing projects, while also pledging to help mobilise additional financing following a comprehensive assessment of the recent cyclone-related damage.

The emergency funding will be used to restore essential services, including health care, water supply, education, agriculture and connectivity across affected areas.

A Global Rapid Post-Disaster Damage Estimation (GRADE) assessment is currently underway in partnership with the Global Facility for Disaster Risk Reduction (GFDRR). According to the World Bank, the assessment will provide reliable estimates of the disaster’s impact, helping to guide early decision-making and ensure that response and recovery efforts are effectively targeted.

The World Bank Group said it stands ready to work closely with the Sri Lankan government to mobilise further resources based on the findings of the GRADE assessment and the country’s financing needs for recovery and resilient reconstruction. It also noted that future programmes would be adjusted as necessary to address the effects of the crisis.

Meanwhile, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, will offer advisory support and strategic investments in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and logistics, with a particular focus on assisting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.

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