Sri Lanka Launches Rs. 200,000 Emergency Grant to Revive Weather Hit Industries

Picture Credit: UN News

In a bid to jump-start the economy after the severe disruption caused by recent extreme weather of Cyclone Ditwah, the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development has unveiled an urgent relief program offering Rs. 200,000 to every disaster-affected industry. The grant aims to help struggling businesses restart operations quickly and prevent long-term economic fallout.

According to the ministry, the support package is open to industrialists registered either directly with the Ministry of Industries or through agencies operating under it. Eligible institutions include the EDB, IDB, NEDA, SED, NPS, NCC, and NDC, ensuring that micro, small, medium, and large enterprises across multiple sectors can access immediate financial aid.

Businesses can apply for the grant online through www.industry.gov.lk or by submitting applications via entrepreneurship development officers, small enterprise development officers, export development officers, or productivity promotion officers located at District and Divisional Secretariats. This hybrid approach is intended to make the process accessible even for industries in severely impacted regions with limited connectivity.

Alongside financial support, the ministry has also rolled out a rapid data-collection initiative to assess the full extent of industrial damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah. A dedicated hotline (071-2666660) has been introduced for business owners to report losses and share information needed for coordinated recovery efforts. Industrialists may submit details either through the main ministry website or via https://aid.floodsupport.org/business-impact, with a firm deadline of 2:00 pm on December 16.

Officials stationed across local administration offices are available to assist with both the grant application and data reporting processes, ensuring no affected business is left behind. The ministry says timely data will enable targeted assistance, allowing authorities to mobilize resources efficiently and rebuild the industrial sector without delay.

As Sri Lanka faces one of its most challenging post-disaster recovery periods in recent years, this relief package marks a crucial step toward stabilizing small industries, safeguarding jobs, and restoring economic productivity nationwide.