Sri lanka becomes first nation to seek un climate ‘loss and damage’ funding after devastating cyclone

Sri Lanka is preparing to become one of the first countries to apply for assistance from the newly established UN Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD), following the catastrophic impact of Cyclone Ditwah in late November. The historic move marks a significant milestone for climate justice advocates who have spent years fighting for compensation mechanisms to help developing nations cope with climate-related disasters.

The cyclone’s toll was devastating: at least 650 people killed, around 200 still missing, and widespread destruction across the island nation. According to a World Bank assessment, direct physical damages reached $4.1 billion—equivalent to approximately 4% of Sri Lanka’s entire GDP. Critical infrastructure including roads and other essential services bore the brunt of the destruction.

For veteran environmental activist Hemantha Withanage of the Center for Environmental Justice, this application represents both a victory and a sobering reality. Withanage has been a persistent voice at UN climate conferences for years, advocating for wealthy, high-emission countries to take responsibility for climate damages affecting Global South nations. “I never imagined that my own country would be among the first applicants to the fund,” he reflected.

The loss and damage fund, established after years of pressure from climate activists, is designed to provide financial assistance to countries disproportionately affected by climate change impacts despite contributing minimally to global emissions. Sri Lanka’s application could set an important precedent for how the international community responds to climate-related disasters in vulnerable nations worldwide.