Cyclone Ditwah Recovery Effort Focuses On Skills, Jobs And Long-Term Rehabilitation

COLOMBO (News 1st); The second day of the “Gammadda Rebuild” programme in Badulla, aimed at supporting communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah, was held today, continuing a major recovery initiative focused on rehabilitation and long-term rebuilding.

What started as an emergency relief response has now developed into a long-term rehabilitation effort aimed at rebuilding not only damaged homes and livelihoods, but also restoring dignity, skills, and hope among affected families.

Supported by the Minderoo Foundation of Australia, the programme has become a structured empowerment drive focusing on sustainable recovery. It is being implemented in partnership with the National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA), the Department of Technical Education and Training, and the Gammadda movement.

At the Badulla Technical College, beneficiaries received hands-on vocational training in masonry, carpentry, electrical work, metal fabrication, plumbing, and garment designing. 

Those who successfully completed the programme were awarded certificates along with essential toolkits, allowing them to immediately restart their trades. For many, this marked a significant turning point after losing everything in the cyclone, offering both economic opportunity and renewed confidence.

The programme also extended its support to university students in the Badulla District who were affected by the disaster. Laptops were distributed to ensure uninterrupted access to education, reflecting the initiative’s broader focus on long-term human capital development.

Beyond vocational training, the initiative also introduced sessions on digital literacy and using social media for small business development. This component aims to help beneficiaries adapt to modern economic trends, expand their reach, and build sustainable income streams.

Officials noted that the programme has evolved through multiple phases, beginning with emergency relief delivered within 24 hours of the cyclone, followed by the “Gammadda Care and Dare” phase, which provided ongoing assistance across affected districts. The current “Gammadda Rebuild” phase now focuses on structured recovery and long-term resilience.

The event was attended by Badulla District Secretary Sunil Galagama, Assistant Director of NAITA S. S. M. Peramunugama, officials of the Badulla Technical College, NAITA Badulla District Manager Chathuranga Abeywardena, News First Digital Media Director K. Mayooran, News First New Media Director Janitha Mendis, Gammadda General Secretary Prasanna Athukorala, Gammadda Assistant Manager Gihan Udyoga, along with members of the Gammadda team.

Participants shared emotional accounts of how the programme has helped them restart their lives, with many saying the tools and training gave them the confidence to rebuild their futures from scratch.

Now, with the third phase, Gammadda Rebuild, the focus has shifted firmly to sustainable recovery. It is about giving people not just the means to survive, but the strength to thrive.

As the programme continues, one message resonates above all: rebuilding a nation is not the work of one entity, but of many hands coming together.

It is a reminder that even in the face of devastation, humanity endures, and with the right support, communities can rise stronger than ever before.