Land, Water, Air: Sirasa Sahana Yathra Moves Into Phase II With Expanded Deployment Push - Newsfirst

COLOMBO (News 1st) — The nationwide Sirasa‑Shakthi Sahana Yathra flood relief initiative has entered Phase II of its operations today, launching a multi-pronged effort to reach all corners of Sri Lanka via land convoys, boats, and air-lifts. The expanded push comes as the country reels from widespread devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, which officials say has affected more than a million people.

Since Friday, dozens of trucks loaded with dry rations, drinking water, clothing, hygiene kits and bedding have rolled out from collection centres in Colombo, Kandy, Ratmalana and Kotahena. These land-convoys are delivering aid to accessible, but badly affected, districts — including those around Colombo, Puttalam, Kurunegala and Gampaha — where families have been left without food or clean water for days.

For communities still cut off by floodwaters, the Sahana Yathra has enlisted boats in collaboration with partner organisations such as Sarvodhya (Sarvodhya Movement) and Sri Lanka Life Saving — carrying essential supplies across submerged roads and waterlogged zones to marooned families. Local volunteers, in response to public appeals, helped pack and load supplies late into the night; organisers say it was this nationwide solidarity and public generosity that made today’s full-scale deployment possible.

This morning punched the highest gear: the first air delivery of relief supplies took off under the Sahana Yathra banner, with support from Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), a crew from Indian Air Force (Mi-17 helicopter), and the Disaster Management Centre (DMC). More air deliveries are expected to launch later today — a critical lifeline for remote, flood-devastated communities unreachable by road or boat.

Relief coordinators described the effort as “unprecedented” in scale — a united, all-nation response to one of the gravest disasters in Sri Lanka’s recent history. But they emphasised that this is only the start: with nearly hundreds dead and scores still missing, tens of thousands displaced, and homes and infrastructure destroyed, the country will need sustained support for weeks and months ahead.