Australia's Minderoo Foundation Commits AU$1 Million to Gammadda’s Flood Relief Effort in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st); Australian philanthropy, Minderoo Foundation, has committed AU$1 million to The Gammadda Movement to support life-saving relief and early recovery efforts for communities devastated by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka is facing the aftermath of its worst natural disaster in decades, with Cyclone Ditwah triggering widespread flash floods and landslides after making landfall in late November. Scores have lost their lives and millions remain affected. Thousands of families are displaced in emergency centres, thousands of homes have been damaged or destroyed, and critical bridges and transport routes have been washed away, cutting off already vulnerable communities. And all of this, on the back of one of the worst economic periods in its post-independence history.

Against this backdrop, Gammadda – working with The Sirasa–Shakthi Sahana Yathra and a nationwide network of volunteers – has mobilised an unprecedented response, turning media platforms, collection centres and partner networks into a multi-pronged relief effort delivering aid by land, water and air to marooned families across the island.

This partnership with Minderoo Foundation will significantly scale up Gammadda’s ability to meet immediate humanitarian needs, including:

Emergency food, clean drinking water and essential non-food items such as sanitation

Medical and hygiene supplies to prevent secondary health crises

Rapid support to restore safe shelter and basic community infrastructure in the hardest-hit districts.

Minderoo Foundation is a proudly Australian philanthropy that works to “forge a fair future” by challenging inequality and responding to urgent global challenges. Its work spans thriving communities, gender equality, and protecting natural ecosystems, with a dedicated “Impact Missions” team that supports agile response to crises.

Minderoo has already committed substantial resources to reducing the devastation caused by climate and conflict driven disasters in Ukraine Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan and Papua New Guinea. The partnership with Gammadda extends this mission into South Asia at a moment of acute need.

“Our role as a philanthropy is to focus on where our support will make the greatest difference. By backing trusted local partners like Gammadda and directing resources straight to communities, we help ensure people have the agency, dignity and certainty they need to lead their own recovery,” said John Hartman, Minderoo Foundation CEO.

“We are ever so grateful to Dr. Andrew Forrest and Nicola Forrest for their generosity at this crucial time. Sri Lanka only seeks support to stand up once again, so we can regain our journey towards our fullest potential. The partnership with Minderoo Foundation will help us get there. It is a true reflection of the heart of this incredible organization”, noted Chevaan Daniel, the Leader of the Gammadda Movement.

The collaboration between Minderoo Foundation and Gammadda aims to ensure that no community is left behind, matching the generosity of the Sri Lankan public with global partnership and long-term commitment.