Assessing the Impact of Relief, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction Initiatives after Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka
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Organizado por:
People's Action for Free and Fair Elections
Sobre el evento
Assessing the Impact of Relief, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction Initiatives after Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka
1. Executive Summary
In November 2025, Sri Lanka experienced severe devastation due to Cyclone Ditwah, resulting in significant loss of life, displacement, and destruction of infrastructure and livelihoods. In response, the Government of Sri Lanka introduced a series of emergency relief and recovery measures, including the national initiative “Rebuilding Sri Lanka.”
This proposal presents an independent evaluation of the government’s disaster response and recovery interventions. The study will assess the timeliness, effectiveness, efficiency, and inclusiveness of these efforts, while also examining their longer-term impact and sustainability.
A key innovation of this evaluation is the integration of an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-supported assessment framework, which will enhance data collection, validation, and analysis through structured, evidence-based synthesis of multiple information sources.
The evaluation will generate actionable, evidence-based recommendations to strengthen future disaster response, recovery planning, and public accountability mechanisms in Sri Lanka.
2. Background and Rationale
Cyclone Ditwah, which struck Sri Lanka in November 2025, caused widespread damage across multiple districts, affecting thousands of households, disrupting livelihoods, and placing immense pressure on public infrastructure and service delivery systems.
In response, the Government of Sri Lanka implemented emergency rescue and relief operations through official gazettes and circulars, while launching “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” to coordinate long-term recovery, relocation, and reconstruction efforts.
Given the scale of public investment and the urgency of recovery interventions, there is a critical need for an independent, systematic evaluation to:
• Ensure accountability in the use of public resources
• Assess whether interventions reached the most affected populations
• Identify gaps in policy implementation and coordination
• Strengthen future disaster preparedness and response frameworks
3. Objectives of the Evaluation
Overall Objective
To assess the impact, effectiveness, and inclusiveness of disaster response and recovery interventions following Cyclone Ditwah.
Specific Objectives
• Evaluate the effectiveness and timeliness of rescue operations
• Assess the adequacy, targeting, and reach of relief assistance
• Examine the progress, quality, and sustainability of relocation, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts
• Determine the extent to which interventions addressed the needs of vulnerable and marginalized groups
• Provide evidence-based recommendations for improving disaster response and recovery systems
4. Scope of the Evaluation
The evaluation will cover:
• Geographic Scope: All major areas affected by Cyclone Ditwah across Sri Lanka
• Institutional Scope: Government-led interventions, including those under “Rebuilding Sri Lanka”
• Time Frame: From November 2025 (onset of the disaster) to the current recovery phase
Sectoral Focus: Housing and resettlement Livelihood restoration Infrastructure rehabilitation Social protection and public service delivery
5. Methodology
The evaluation will adopt a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative techniques to ensure a comprehensive and triangulated analysis.
Evaluation Framework
The study will be guided by the OECD-DAC evaluation criteria:
• Relevance
• Effectiveness
• Efficiency
• Impact
• Sustainability
Cross-Cutting Themes
• Gender equality
• Social inclusion
• Vulnerability (women, children, elderly, persons with disabilities)
Data Collection Methods
• Desk review of policy documents, gazettes, circulars, and reports
• Key informant interviews with government officials and stakeholders
• Field visits to affected communities
• Focus group discussions with beneficiaries
• Community-level perception surveys
6. AI-Supported Evaluation Approach
This study introduces an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-supported assessment framework to enhance the rigor, transparency, and efficiency of the evaluation process.
Process
The evaluation will utilize AI tools to support systematic analysis of the government’s post-disaster response. The process involves:
• Developing clear evaluation criteria and indicators aligned with OECD-DAC standards
• Using AI tools to retrieve, organize, and synthesize data from multiple credible sources, including:
Verified news reports Official government publications Institutional and administrative data
• Generating structured analytical outputs on key areas such as:
Allocation and utilization of funds Deployment of human resources Implementation progress of disaster response measures
This approach enables a data-driven, transparent, and replicable evaluation process, improving the reliability and depth of analysis.
7. Limitations of the AI Approach
While AI enhances analytical capacity, certain limitations must be acknowledged:
• Data Dependency and Bias
AI relies on available data sources; incomplete, outdated, or biased data may affect findings.
• Limited Contextual Understanding
AI may not fully capture complex social, political, and cultural dynamics.
• Over-Reliance on Quantifiable Indicators
Qualitative aspects such as trust, governance dynamics, and community perceptions may be underrepresented.
• Need for Human Oversight
AI cannot replace expert judgment; critical analysis, ethical considerations, and contextual interpretation will be ensured through human expertise.
8. Expected Deliverables
The evaluation will produce:
• Inception Report (framework, methodology, and work plan)
• Data Collection Tools (questionnaires, interview guides)
• Interim Briefings (preliminary findings)
• Draft Evaluation Report
• Final Evaluation Report (with validated findings and recommendations)
• Stakeholder Presentation of key findings
9. Expected Outcomes
• Improved understanding of the effectiveness of disaster response and recovery efforts
• Identification of policy and implementation gaps
• Strengthened accountability and transparency in public interventions
• Practical recommendations to enhance future disaster preparedness and resilience
1. Executive Summary
In November 2025, Sri Lanka experienced severe devastation due to Cyclone Ditwah, resulting in significant loss of life, displacement, and destruction of infrastructure and livelihoods. In response, the Government of Sri Lanka introduced a series of emergency relief and recovery measures, including the national initiative “Rebuilding Sri Lanka.”
This proposal presents an independent evaluation of the government’s disaster response and recovery interventions. The study will assess the timeliness, effectiveness, efficiency, and inclusiveness of these efforts, while also examining their longer-term impact and sustainability.
A key innovation of this evaluation is the integration of an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-supported assessment framework, which will enhance data collection, validation, and analysis through structured, evidence-based synthesis of multiple information sources.
The evaluation will generate actionable, evidence-based recommendations to strengthen future disaster response, recovery planning, and public accountability mechanisms in Sri Lanka.
2. Background and Rationale
Cyclone Ditwah, which struck Sri Lanka in November 2025, caused widespread damage across multiple districts, affecting thousands of households, disrupting livelihoods, and placing immense pressure on public infrastructure and service delivery systems.
In response, the Government of Sri Lanka implemented emergency rescue and relief operations through official gazettes and circulars, while launching “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” to coordinate long-term recovery, relocation, and reconstruction efforts.
Given the scale of public investment and the urgency of recovery interventions, there is a critical need for an independent, systematic evaluation to:
• Ensure accountability in the use of public resources
• Assess whether interventions reached the most affected populations
• Identify gaps in policy implementation and coordination
• Strengthen future disaster preparedness and response frameworks
3. Objectives of the Evaluation
Overall Objective
To assess the impact, effectiveness, and inclusiveness of disaster response and recovery interventions following Cyclone Ditwah.
Specific Objectives
• Evaluate the effectiveness and timeliness of rescue operations
• Assess the adequacy, targeting, and reach of relief assistance
• Examine the progress, quality, and sustainability of relocation, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts
• Determine the extent to which interventions addressed the needs of vulnerable and marginalized groups
• Provide evidence-based recommendations for improving disaster response and recovery systems
4. Scope of the Evaluation
The evaluation will cover:
• Geographic Scope: All major areas affected by Cyclone Ditwah across Sri Lanka
• Institutional Scope: Government-led interventions, including those under “Rebuilding Sri Lanka”
• Time Frame: From November 2025 (onset of the disaster) to the current recovery phase
Sectoral Focus: Housing and resettlement Livelihood restoration Infrastructure rehabilitation Social protection and public service delivery
5. Methodology
The evaluation will adopt a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative techniques to ensure a comprehensive and triangulated analysis.
Evaluation Framework
The study will be guided by the OECD-DAC evaluation criteria:
• Relevance
• Effectiveness
• Efficiency
• Impact
• Sustainability
Cross-Cutting Themes
• Gender equality
• Social inclusion
• Vulnerability (women, children, elderly, persons with disabilities)
Data Collection Methods
• Desk review of policy documents, gazettes, circulars, and reports
• Key informant interviews with government officials and stakeholders
• Field visits to affected communities
• Focus group discussions with beneficiaries
• Community-level perception surveys
6. AI-Supported Evaluation Approach
This study introduces an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-supported assessment framework to enhance the rigor, transparency, and efficiency of the evaluation process.
Process
The evaluation will utilize AI tools to support systematic analysis of the government’s post-disaster response. The process involves:
• Developing clear evaluation criteria and indicators aligned with OECD-DAC standards
• Using AI tools to retrieve, organize, and synthesize data from multiple credible sources, including:
Verified news reports Official government publications Institutional and administrative data
• Generating structured analytical outputs on key areas such as:
Allocation and utilization of funds Deployment of human resources Implementation progress of disaster response measures
This approach enables a data-driven, transparent, and replicable evaluation process, improving the reliability and depth of analysis.
7. Limitations of the AI Approach
While AI enhances analytical capacity, certain limitations must be acknowledged:
• Data Dependency and Bias
AI relies on available data sources; incomplete, outdated, or biased data may affect findings.
• Limited Contextual Understanding
AI may not fully capture complex social, political, and cultural dynamics.
• Over-Reliance on Quantifiable Indicators
Qualitative aspects such as trust, governance dynamics, and community perceptions may be underrepresented.
• Need for Human Oversight
AI cannot replace expert judgment; critical analysis, ethical considerations, and contextual interpretation will be ensured through human expertise.
8. Expected Deliverables
The evaluation will produce:
• Inception Report (framework, methodology, and work plan)
• Data Collection Tools (questionnaires, interview guides)
• Interim Briefings (preliminary findings)
• Draft Evaluation Report
• Final Evaluation Report (with validated findings and recommendations)
• Stakeholder Presentation of key findings
9. Expected Outcomes
• Improved understanding of the effectiveness of disaster response and recovery efforts
• Identification of policy and implementation gaps
• Strengthened accountability and transparency in public interventions
• Practical recommendations to enhance future disaster preparedness and resilience
Sesión
Seminario web
|
En línea
1 ° de Junio, 2026
19:00 PM - 20:00 PM
An improved understanding of the effectiveness of disaster response and recovery efforts refers to gaining clearer insights into how well institutions, policies, and interventions perform during and after crises. It involves assessing the timeliness, coordination, and adequacy of emergency responses, as well as the sustainability and inclusiveness of recovery initiatives. Such understanding is built through systematic monitoring, evaluation, and stakeholder feedback, enabling identification of strengths, gaps, and lessons learned. Ultimately, it supports evidence-based decision-making, strengthens accountability, and enhances future preparedness, ensuring that disaster-affected communities recover more quickly, equitably, and resiliently in the face of recurring and emerging risks.
Presentador/a
| Nombre | Título | Biografía |
|---|---|---|
| Manjula Gajanayake | Mr. | Manjula Gajanayake is a well-known figure in Sri Lanka’s governance and monitoring space, particularly for his work in election observation and democratic accountability. He has served as the National Coordinator of the Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) and is also associated with the Institute for Democratic Reforms and Electoral Studies (IRES). His monitoring activities mainly focus on ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections. He has also been involved in promoting participatory governance, including initiatives on civic budgeting and citizen engagement that connect monitoring to accountability in public finance. |
Moderador/a
| Nombre | Título | Biografía |
|---|---|---|
| Rohana Hettiarachi | Mr. | Rohana Hettiarachchi is a prominent Sri Lankan civil society activist known for his long-standing work in election monitoring, democratic governance, and public accountability. He is best recognized as the Executive Director of the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL), one of the country’s leading independent election observation bodies. Beyond elections, his work extends to broader governance monitoring—such as promoting citizen participation, strengthening local government accountability, and supporting anti-corruption initiatives. He has been actively involved in building the capacity of civil society organizations to engage in monitoring and evaluation processes, aligning with international standards like the OECD-DAC criteria. Overall, Rohana Hettiarachchi’s contributions lie in linking field-based monitoring with policy advocacy, helping to institutionalize democratic practices and improve accountability mechanisms in Sri Lanka. |
Seminario web
|
En línea
2 de junio, 2026
19:00 PM - 20:00 PM
The identification of policy and implementation gaps on gender in the context of disaster impacts in Sri Lanka reveals critical shortcomings in addressing the differentiated needs of women, men, and vulnerable groups. Disasters often exacerbate existing inequalities, yet policies may lack gender-sensitive provisions or fail to translate into practice. Gaps are evident in areas such as access to relief, livelihood recovery, protection from gender-based violence, and participation in decision-making processes. Weak coordination, limited sex-disaggregated data, and insufficient institutional capacity further hinder effective implementation. Recognizing these gaps enables policymakers to design inclusive, responsive interventions that promote equitable recovery and long-term resilience.
Presentador/a
| Nombre | Título | Biografía |
|---|---|---|
| Mathavakala Mathavan | Ms | Mathavakala Mathavan Results-driven program management specialist with over 15 years of experience across the public, NGO, and development sectors, specializing in labour rights, gender equality, and community empowerment. Brings strong expertise in programming |
Moderador/a
| Nombre | Título | Biografía |
|---|---|---|
| Mylvaganam Thilakarajah | Mr. | Thilakarajah is a development professional with expertise in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), public policy, and regional development. With academic qualifications in Regional Development and Planning (Master’s) and Commerce (Bachelor’s), he brings a strong analytical foundation to policy assessment and program evaluation and alumni of IPDET 2018. He has extensive experience in governance and public sector accountability, including serving as a Member of Parliament in Sri Lanka (2015–2020), where he actively contributed to parliamentary committees and policy initiatives. Notably, he played a key role in efforts to strengthen national evaluation capacity and evidence-based policymaking. Currently, he is engaged in monitoring the implementation of government manifesto commitments, aligning policy promises with budget allocations and institutional performance. His work focuses on enhancing the transparency, effectiveness, and impact of public investments and development programs. |
Seminario web
|
En línea
3 de junio, 2026
19:00 PM - 20:00 PM
In the context of the Sitwah disaster in Sri Lanka, strengthening accountability and transparency in public interventions is critical to ensure that relief and recovery efforts effectively reach affected communities. This involves establishing clear mechanisms to track resource allocation, procurement, and service delivery while minimizing the risk of mismanagement or corruption. Transparent information-sharing with the public—such as beneficiary selection criteria and progress updates—helps build trust and legitimacy. Additionally, integrating community feedback systems and independent monitoring enhances oversight and responsiveness. Strengthening institutional coordination and enforcing existing regulations further ensures that interventions are implemented fairly, efficiently, and in line with the actual needs of disaster-affected populations.
Presentador/a
| Nombre | Título | Biografía |
|---|---|---|
| Nagaratnam Krishnakumar | Mr | Krishnakumar is an experienced Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) professional with 13 years of expertise in developing educational materials, conducting Training of Trainers (TOT) programs, and delivering training for educators. He has a strong background in project implementation, monitoring, and evaluation across sectors, including education, human rights, and civic engagement, working with national and international development organizations. Currently serving as MEL Officer at Alinea International Pvt. Ltd., he collaborates with civil society organizations and 15 government institutions including Divisional Secretariats, local authorities, hospitals, police, and courts across eight districts in Sri Lanka. He leads the design and implementation of M&E systems, indicators, reporting formats, guidelines, and databases, including for the Pathways to Peace Project funded by Global Affairs Canada. Krishnakumar also provides technical assistance, capacity building, and training to sub-national institutions and CSO representatives, conducts data collection and analysis, and delivers actionable insights to improve project quality and effectiveness. Holds a Master’s Degree in Regional Development and a Postgraduate in M&E. |
Moderador/a
| Nombre | Título | Biografía |
|---|---|---|
| Priyakala Manoharan | Ms. | Priyakala Manoharan is an experienced Monitoring, Evaluation, and Research professional with a strong academic background in Sociology, Human Rights, and South Asian Studies. A Gold Medalist with an MA (First Class) from Pondicherry University, she also holds multiple postgraduate diplomas in Journalism, Mass Communication, and Human Rights. She currently serves as a Senior Researcher and Evaluator at the Institute for Participatory Interaction in Development (IPID), with extensive experience across civil society, governance, and development sectors. Her work spans project evaluation, data analysis, and MEL system design, including roles with organizations such as Transparency International Sri Lanka, Chrysalis, and The Asia Foundation. Priyakala specializes in qualitative and quantitative analysis, gender and inclusion, reintegration, and governance, with proven expertise in stakeholder engagement, policy research, and evidence-based reporting. |
Seminario web
|
En línea
4 de junio, 2026
19:00 PM - 20:00 PM
In the context of Cyclone Ditwah disaster in Sri Lanka, a comprehensive and transparent assessment of the government’s post-disaster response is essential to generate credible evidence on the effectiveness of relief, recovery, and reconstruction efforts.
Such an assessment examines how resources were allocated, how quickly essential services were restored, and whether assistance reached the most affected and vulnerable populations. It also evaluates coordination among institutions, adherence to disaster response protocols, and the overall efficiency of implementation on the ground.
Transparency ensures that findings are openly shared with stakeholders and the public, strengthening trust and accountability. Ultimately, this process supports more informed conclusions, helping policymakers identify gaps, improve future disaster preparedness, and build more resilient recovery systems.
Presentador/a
| Nombre | Título | Biografía |
|---|---|---|
| Hirantha Isuranga | Mr. | Hirantha is a multidisciplinary professional with a strong academic foundation in Information Technology and advanced expertise in Human Rights and Democratisation. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, which has equipped him with solid technical skills and a deep understanding of digital systems. He is committed to continuous learning and actively keeps himself updated with the latest developments in emerging technologies and Artificial Intelligence, integrating these innovations into his professional and academic work. His background enables him to bridge the gap between technology and social impact, particularly in areas such as governance, civic engagement, and digital transformation. Hirantha has further strengthened his expertise by completing a Master’s degree in Human Rights and Democratisation, allowing him to approach challenges through both a technical and rights-based perspective. This unique combination positions him as a forward-thinking professional capable of leveraging technology to support democratic processes, transparency, and accountability. He is particularly interested in the intersection of AI, digital innovation, and public policy, and is committed to contributing to initiatives that promote informed citizen participation, ethical technology use, and inclusive governance. |
Moderador/a
| Nombre | Título | Biografía |
|---|---|---|
| Manjula Gajanayake | Mr. | Manjula Gajanayake is a well-known figure in Sri Lanka’s governance and monitoring space, particularly for his work in election observation and democratic accountability. He has served as the National Coordinator of the Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) and is also associated with the Institute for Democratic Reforms and Electoral Studies (IRES). His monitoring activities mainly focus on ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections. He has also been involved in promoting participatory governance, including initiatives on civic budgeting and citizen engagement that connect monitoring to accountability in public finance. |
Seminario web
|
En línea
5 de junio, 2026
19:00 PM - 20:00 PM
In the context of disaster impacts in Sri Lanka, practical recommendations to enhance future disaster preparedness and resilience focus on strengthening both systems and community-level capacities. This includes improving early warning systems, ensuring timely and accessible dissemination of risk information, and enhancing coordination among disaster management institutions.
It also emphasizes investing in resilient infrastructure, climate-adaptive planning, and well-equipped emergency response services. Community-based disaster preparedness programs are essential to build local awareness, response capacity, and inclusive participation, especially among vulnerable groups.
Further, integrating lessons learned from past disasters into national and local planning, strengthening data systems for real-time decision-making, and ensuring adequate funding mechanisms will significantly improve resilience and reduce future disaster risks.
Presentador/a
| Nombre | Título | Biografía |
|---|---|---|
| Mylvaganam Thilakarajah | Mr. | Thilakarajah is a development professional with expertise in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), public policy, and regional development. With academic qualifications in Regional Development and Planning (Master’s) and Commerce (Bachelor’s), he brings a strong analytical foundation to policy assessment and program evaluation and is an alumnus of IPDET 2018. He has extensive experience in governance and public sector accountability, including serving as a Member of Parliament in Sri Lanka (2015–2020), where he actively contributed to parliamentary committees and policy initiatives. Notably, he played a key role in efforts to strengthen national evaluation capacity and evidence-based policymaking. Currently, he is engaged in monitoring the implementation of government manifesto commitments, aligning policy promises with budget allocations and institutional performance. His work focuses on enhancing the transparency, effectiveness, and impact of public investments and development programs. |
Moderador/a
| Nombre | Título | Biografía |
|---|---|---|
| Rohana Hettiarachchi | Mr. | Rohana Hettiarachchi is a prominent Sri Lankan civil society activist known for his long-standing work in election monitoring, democratic governance, and public accountability. He is best recognized as the Executive Director of the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL), one of the country’s leading independent election observation bodies. Beyond elections, his work extends to broader governance monitoring—such as promoting citizen participation, strengthening local government accountability, and supporting anti-corruption initiatives. He has been actively involved in building the capacity of civil society organizations to engage in monitoring and evaluation processes, aligning with international standards like the OECD-DAC criteria. Overall, Rohana Hettiarachchi’s contributions lie in linking field-based monitoring with policy advocacy, helping to institutionalize democratic practices and improve accountability mechanisms in Sri Lanka. |