Temples and Churches Provide Sanctuary for Cyclone Victims

 In the wake of severe rainfall, floods, and landslides across Sri Lanka caused by Cyclone Ditwa, churches and temples island-wide have been transformed into emergency relief camps to provide shelter for thousands of displaced people. According to a report released by the Disaster Management Centre on December 3, 474 people have died due to the disaster, and over 350 more are missing.

Father Denzil Priyankara, the parish priest of St. Francis Xavier's Church in Gurugalla, belonging to the Ratnapura Diocese, stated that his church has provided shelter to approximately 175 Buddhist, Muslim, and Christian devotees since the day after the cyclone hit. The cyclone, which made landfall on November 28, caused some of the worst flooding recorded in Sri Lanka since the early 2000s,

and Father Priyankara has postponed the parish feast, scheduled for December 7, to accommodate the displaced.

Two relief camps have been established in Gurugalla, Kegalle District, at a Buddhist temple and a church. With the floodwaters now receding, volunteer groups and local residents have begun cleaning homes filled with mud and dirty water. While dry food rations have been provided to affected families, Father Priyankara points out that helping them rebuild their lives is a major challenge, as many have lost everything, including clothing, furniture, and kitchen utensils.

Father Peter Botheju, parish priest of St. Anthony's Church in Nainamadama, stated that approximately 800 people are sheltering at the Carmel Matha Cathedral in the Chilaw Diocese, and another 250 are taking refuge at his church. Over 600 people are housed in four churches within the Archdiocese of Colombo. Furthermore, Father Dilex Shantha Fernando, Director of Badulla Central Hospital, organized a special medical camp on December 2 for the affected people of the Narangala estate in the Badulla parish.

St. Theresa's Parish in Colombo has collected material aid worth over 3 million rupees (approximately US$10,000) for distribution among displaced families, while Caritas 'Seth Sarana' has provided 1 million rupees in financial aid for initial relief services in affected parishes. Many Buddhist temples are also operating as emergency relief camps. Venerable S. Amarajothi Thero, Chief Incumbent of Sri Bodhirajarama Temple in Pelawatta, Passara, Badulla, stated that during the heavy rains, he went to people's homes, woke them up, and brought them to the temple, providing safety for about 150 families.

Cyclone Ditwa, which swept across Southeast Asian countries, has caused severe devastation in several nations, including Indonesia. International media reports indicate that as of December 3, the death toll in Indonesia alone has exceeded 1,300.