June 14, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya recently held discussions with a senior delegation from UNICEF on the ongoing recovery of Sri Lanka’s education sector in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, with a particular focus on restoring learning opportunities for affected children.
The meeting, which took place at Temple Trees on 12 June, centred on evaluating the progress made under the Cyclone Ditwah Education Emergency Response Plan during its first phase, covering the period from January to April 2026. Officials reviewed key achievements, including efforts to rehabilitate damaged school infrastructure, improve access to educational resources, and provide support services for students whose schooling was disrupted by the disaster.
During the talks, both sides explored strategies to accelerate recovery initiatives and strengthen resilience within vulnerable school communities. Special attention was given to ensuring that children in the worst-affected areas can continue their education without prolonged interruptions.
The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of sustained cooperation between the Government and international partners in safeguarding the welfare and future prospects of young people impacted by natural disasters. UNICEF representatives reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s recovery efforts and enhancing long-term preparedness within the education system.
The UNICEF delegation was led by Representative Emma Brigham and Deputy Representative Begona Arellano, accompanied by other senior officials from the organisation.
