A delegation led by Venerable Dr. K. Gunaratana Thero, Chairman of the Singapore Maha Karuna Buddhist Association, met with Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanaayake at the Presidential Secretariat on December 5th. This meeting was part of ongoing efforts to support relief operations for those affected by the recent Ditwah cyclone disaster.

The Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat facilitated the discussion, during which the delegation committed to providing any necessary aid to Sri Lankans impacted by the adverse weather conditions. Venerable Dr. Gunaratana  Thero emphasized that Sri Lanka is currently facing one of its most severe disaster situations in recent history. He noted that his association, alongside other international organizations and donors, is voluntarily offering support for both immediate relief and the long-term rebuilding of the country.

Representatives from Singapore and Malaysia agreed to deliver urgent material assistance and pledged ongoing support for the government's "Rebuilding Sri Lanka" initiative under a long-term framework. They revealed that two containers filled with essential supplies are expected to arrive within the coming days.

Secretary to the President Dr. Kumanaayake assured the delegation that the government has established a structured mechanism to provide aid and is planning to resettle affected communities through a well-organized city planning approach aimed at preventing future disasters.

Additionally, both parties reached a fundamental agreement to supply necessary equipment for school children impacted by the disaster, highlighting a shared commitment to supporting vulnerable groups.

Senior Additional Secretary to the President Mr. Rasel Aponsu, Additional Secretary for the Clean Sri Lanka Program Eng. S. P. C. Sugeeshwara, Director of the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat (Social) Mr. Kapila Senarath, Ms. Diana Lee, Secretary of the Singapore Maha Karuna Buddhist Association, and Ms. Ranjanee Silva, Secretary of the Singapore Sinhala Buddhist Association, were also present at the meeting, reflecting the strong bilateral cooperation in supporting Sri Lanka’s recovery efforts.