Rs. 25,000 Cyclone Ditwah Disaster Allowance: Eligibility & How to Apply

When Cyclone Ditwah struck in late November 2025, heavy winds and widespread flooding left thousands of Sri Lankan families struggling to rebuild their homes and lives. To help those affected, the Ministry of Defence, through the National Disaster Relief Services Centre (NDRSC), has announced a Rs. 25,000 relief allowance for every household impacted by the disaster that began on 21st November 2025.

This grant is designed to provide immediate support to restore homes to a livable condition no complicated assessments or delays. Here’s a clear guide on who qualifies, how the funds are distributed, and how to apply.

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A Direct Response to a National Emergency

The Rs. 25,000 disaster allowance was introduced through a special circular issued to all District and Divisional Secretaries. The instruction is simple: provide rapid financial help to families whose homes were damaged, without waiting for lengthy verification or inspection.

The allowance recognizes that disaster recovery must start immediately not weeks or months later. Every affected housing unit qualifies, regardless of the extent of damage.

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What the Rs. 25,000 Allowance Covers

This is a one-time grant, not a loan or advance. It is meant exclusively for the comprehensive calamity that began on 21st November 2025, including damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah, flooding, or landslides related to the event.

Importantly, no damage assessment is required before disbursement. Whether your house was completely destroyed or only experienced flooding, you are eligible to receive this support.

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Who Is Eligible for the Allowance

The NDRSC has made eligibility broad to ensure inclusivity. You can apply if your home falls into any of these categories:

• Totally damaged houses
• Partially damaged houses
• Houses affected by minor flooding, even if structurally undamaged

In short, if your home or living space was affected in any way by the November 2025 calamity, you qualify for the Rs. 25,000 allowance.

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Land Ownership Does Not Affect Eligibility

One of the most significant updates in this circular is that land or property ownership is not a requirement. The government aims to reach every affected resident, regardless of their housing situation.

Those eligible include:

• Permanent homeowners
• Residents of estate housing
• Tenants of rented houses
• Occupants of unauthorized or temporary houses
• Residents of government housing schemes
• Government-registered children’s homes, elders’ homes, and centers for persons with disabilities

This inclusive policy ensures that even vulnerable or informal communities are supported during recovery.

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How the Rs. 25,000 Will Be Shared in Shared Homes

If multiple families or individuals live in the same house, the Rs. 25,000 will be divided equally among all occupants. The goal is to make sure every family receives a fair portion of the relief.

• For rental houses, the allowance is given only to tenants, and if several tenants live together, it’s divided among them.
• If the house owner also lives in the same building with tenants, the amount is shared equally among all residents.

For example:
If two families live in a rented house, each family will receive Rs. 12,500.

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How to Apply for the Allowance

The application process is intentionally simple to speed up payments. The updated NDRSC application form (Annexure 01) must be filled out by every affected household. Here’s how to proceed:

1. Get the form – from your Grama Niladhari, Divisional Secretariat, or NDRSC office.
2. Fill in your details – including name, address of the affected house, NIC number, disaster type, and bank account information.
3. Submit the form – through your Grama Niladhari to the Divisional Secretariat.
4. Payment – Once verified, the Rs. 25,000 allowance will be paid directly to your bank account.

No damage inspection or engineer’s report is required to qualify for this payment.

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What Officials Are Instructed to Do

District and Divisional Secretaries have been officially directed to:

• Immediately identify all eligible households
• Process applications without delay
• Request necessary funds from NDRSC as soon as assessments are complete

The entire allowance is to be disbursed in full and at once to every affected housing unit. This ensures rapid access to cash for urgent home restoration needs.

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A One-Time Grant with a Lasting Impact

While the Rs. 25,000 allowance may not cover full reconstruction costs, it provides critical support for families to restart repairing walls, cleaning flood damage, or replacing essentials. For those living in rented or estate housing, this payment represents both dignity and immediate relief.

The NDRSC has made it clear: this grant is for this disaster only and will not be repeated for other events. Hence, households are encouraged to apply promptly.

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Key Takeaways for Affected Families

• Every affected house qualifies whether totally or partially damaged.
• No ownership proof is needed.
• Rs. 25,000 per housing unit shared equally if multiple families live together.
• Apply through your Divisional Secretariat using the official NDRSC form.
• Payment is one-time and issued immediately after verification.

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Where to Get Help

For questions or clarifications, affected residents can contact their local Grama Niladhari, Divisional Secretariat, or reach the National Disaster Relief Services Centre directly:

📞 011 2665258 / 011 2665702
📧 sahana.ndrsc@gmail.com

The government emphasizes that this relief is meant to lighten your burden, not add to it. If your home or living space was affected by Cyclone Ditwah, make sure your application is submitted as soon as possible.

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Final Thought

In moments of crisis, clarity and compassion matter most. The Rs. 25,000 allowance may be a modest sum, but for many families, it marks the first step back toward normalcy. By ensuring that every affected person regardless of where or how they live receives help, the NDRSC’s relief program embodies the spirit of shared recovery and resilience.