Catholic Bishop Brings Relief to Flood-Affected Communities as Sri Lanka Continues to Grapple with Cyclone Ditwah

In a testament to the Church’s commitment to stand with and support the faithful in times of hardship, Bishop Jude Nishantha Silva of Badulla, in central Sri Lanka, visited the parishes of Madulsima and Lunugala on December 7, 2025, to extend his pastoral care to communities affected by the recent floods and landslides.

The bishop personally met with families, offering words of comfort and distributing dry rations and essential goods to those in need.

As the faithful marked the Second Sunday of Advent, a season centered on the theme of Peace, his presence brought a tangible sense of calm and reassurance. Through his pastoral love and care, many felt that peace was not only preached but also lived, experienced, and shared within the community.

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan authorities have issued new landslide warnings as rains continue to lash regions already devastated by the floods. As of December 7, the government has confirmed 618 deaths, including 464 from the lush tea-growing central highlands. Another 209 people remain missing. The number of evacuees in state-run shelters has declined to about 100,000, down from a peak of 225,000, as floodwaters gradually recede across the island. Authorities also reported that more than 75,000 homes have been damaged, with nearly 5,000 completely destroyed.

Amid these immense hardships, Sri Lankans have rallied together in mutual support, while regional and international partners continue to send humanitarian and financial assistance. The Catholic Church in Sri Lanka has mobilized all its dioceses, with priests visiting displaced families to offer comfort, guidance, and relief. Christian communities are also preparing special assistance programs for disaster-affected families as Christmas approaches.