As the country continues to navigate the aftermath of the recent severe weather, certain regions remain in a precarious situation. Some villages are still cut off from the outside world, reachable only by helicopter, many kilometres on foot, or by off-road motorbikes. The scale of the damage in those isolated pockets is heartbreaking.
At the same time, it has been truly moving to witness how quickly the rest of the island has rallied. Communities, individuals and businesses (including many here in the unaffected south) have been donating essential supplies and sending help wherever possible. The generosity has been genuinely heartwarming.
We’ve received many questions over the past days, most commonly:
1. Is it safe to travel to the south?
Yes. The south, including Ahangama, remains fully operational. Roads, transfers, hotels, restaurants and beaches are running as normal. Unfortunately, some international media outlets presented the situation as if the entire island were affected, which has caused unnecessary worry. The flooding was significant but localised, and the southern coastline has been safe and accessible throughout.
2. Where can we donate?
Thank you to everyone who has asked. Support is still very much needed, and every contribution makes a difference. Here are three trusted initiatives doing meaningful work on the ground:
• Sambol Foundation
A long-standing organisation with a strong focus on supporting women and children in vulnerable communities.
• Ad-hoc initiative by the owners of Café Ceylon and Leopard Safaris
A grassroots effort led from the South, currently directing support to Meemure, a village in the Knuckles region that has been entirely cut off.
Head to GoFundMe to donate to their initiative.
• Tails of Freedom
For those wishing to support animal rescue efforts, this organisation is helping pets and strays affected by the floods.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed, checked in, shared resources and offered support. Sri Lanka is resilient, and moments like these show just how strong the sense of community truly is.
We’ll continue to post updates as we learn more.
