Sri Lanka: South Korea’s Exim Bank Pledges US$ 50,000 in Urgent Disaster Relief

By Lions Roar News World Desk

COLOMBO, SRI LANKA (January 3, 2026) — In a swift response to the devastation left by Cyclone Ditwah, the Export-Import Bank of Korea (Korea Exim Bank) has pledged US$ 50,000 in humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka. The funds, channeled through the Korea Red Cross, are earmarked for immediate recovery efforts and essential support for families displaced by the late 2025 disaster.

The contribution follows a direct request for international assistance made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, as the nation prepares for a major donor conference later this month to address the US$ 4.1 billion in estimated cyclone damages.

🤝 A Message of Solidarity

Hwang Ki-yeon, Chairman and CEO of Korea Exim Bank, conveyed his deepest condolences to President Dissanayake and the people of Sri Lanka. He emphasized that the bank views itself as a “frontline partner” in Sri Lanka’s long-term development and stands firmly with the island during this crisis.

“The Export-Import Bank of Korea highly values its long-standing partnership with the Government of Sri Lanka,” Chairman Hwang stated. “We are committed to supporting the restoration of essential public facilities and providing relief to the thousands of families currently sheltering in temporary centers.”

🇰🇷 South Korea’s Total Aid Package

With this latest pledge from the Exim Bank, the total humanitarian assistance extended by the Republic of Korea to Sri Lanka has reached US$ 550,000.

Breakdown of Korean Aid:

Direct Government Grant: US$ 500,000 provided earlier via the World Food Programme (WFP) to supply food and medicine to high-priority districts like Badulla and Kandy.
Exim Bank Contribution: US$ 50,000 specifically for housing and public facility rehabilitation.
Technical Support: Ongoing collaboration through the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) to ensure transparent and efficient use of relief funds.

🌊 The Recovery Challenge

Cyclone Ditwah, which made landfall in late November 2025, remains one of the most challenging natural disasters in Sri Lanka’s history.

Impact: Over 1.2 million people still require humanitarian support.
Death Toll: Tragically, over 640 lives were lost during the floods and landslides.
The “Rebuilding Fund”: The government’s recently established “Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund” has already mobilized millions, but officials stress that international partnerships like those with South Korea are vital for a full recovery.