Food Distribution in Kataragama

On February 27, the HNRDF-team went out to distribute food across several locations in the Kataragama area. The distribution was part of a broader initiative by HNRDF in collaboration with the organization pathways to peace, funded by Global Affairs Canada.

We visited multiple locations and distributed food packages containing rice, lentils and dried fish. The distribution was aimed at people affected by Cyclone Ditwah, which struck Sri Lanka in November 2025. This cyclone is considered one of the strongest in recent years and left hundreds of thousands of people, including many children, in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. Although the storm has passed, the effects are still visible in the affected villages.

In southern Sri Lanka, areas such as Kataragama are particularly vulnerable during natural disasters. Many communities face challenges such as limited infrastructure and difficult access. While the government provides disaster relief, it is not always sufficient for all affected communities. This makes the work of NGOs and local initiatives especially important, ensuring that those impacted receive immediate assistance and support.

The food packages not only provided essential nutrition but also gave people a sense of hope at a time when many were severely affected. This highlights the importance of both local and international collaboration to support vulnerable communities.

By Iris Van Der Stelt