What we do
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has a long history of working in Sri Lanka, beginning in 1986 and closing its projects in 2012. However, in 2025, MSF returned to Sri Lanka to respond to the urgent humanitarian needs following Cyclone Ditwah.
- Sri Lanka
Disasters like Cyclone Ditwah disrupt healthcare systems, affecting the continuity of care and access to essential medicines, particularly for non-communicable diseases and other chronic conditions.
Why are we here?
An MSF emergency team is currently in Sri Lanka, actively assessing the needs of communities impacted by Cyclone Ditwah. Our response focuses on providing immediate support to those affected, while also identifying longer-term needs in collaboration with local organizations and authorities.
MSF is working with locally led organizations to assist people evacuated to emergency shelters around the capital. So far, we have distributed 500 non-food item kits and are preparing to donate an additional 250 maternity kits and 400 dignity kits to support displaced families.
In Badulla: One of the most severely affected areas, our 7-person team—comprising specialists in health care, logistics, and water and sanitation—is on the ground assessing the needs of rural communities. This includes addressing gaps in healthcare, clean water access, and essential supplies.
Preparedness for additional support: MSF coordinated the arrival of 1,000 winterized family tents and 1,000 items of plastic sheeting to provide shelter for those who have lost their homes.
- WatSan: Ensuring access to clean water is critical to prevent outbreaks of waterborne diseases, which often follow such emergencies.
