January 2 2026

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) expresses solidarity with those affected by Cyclone Ditwah.

The storm made landfall in Sri Lanka on November 28, 2025, and caused widespread flooding and landslides. The storm and its aftermath have destroyed homes and critical infrastructure, including farmland for key crops. According to analysis by the UN Development Programme (UNDP), 2.3 million people and 1/5 of Sri Lanka were impacted by the flooding. People’s access to clean water, food security, and health care are jeopardized.

Women and girls are facing heighted risk of gender-based violence, economic insecurity, and impediments to access health care.

The devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah and the rebuilding ahead threaten to exacerbate an already-present economic crisis in the country.

The storm caused extensive damage to critical infrastructure and has put stress on essential services. We know that public services, and the workers who deliver them, are greatly impacted during disasters. They will also play a vital role in the recovery and rebuilding.

NUPGE is contributing to the World Health Organization to support the humanitarian relief efforts in Sri Lanka.

A study by World Weather Attribution (WWA) found that warmer ocean temperatures fueled Cyclone Ditwah and other severe weather in the region. This serves as yet another reminder of the need to take urgent action to reduce emissions that are causing climate change. Canada has a responsibility to contribute its fair share to not only emissions reductions, but also international climate finance to support the efforts of Global South countries to decarbonize and adapt to climate change, which disproportionately impacts them.