The economic loss caused by Cyclone Ditwah is roughly estimated at US $6–7 billion, over three times the damage caused by the 2004 tsunami, an official stated yesterday.
Newly appointed Commissioner General of Essential Services, Prabath Chandrakeerthi, told the Daily Mirror that this is only a preliminary estimate, and a detailed post-disaster assessment will be conducted later to guide the economic recovery plan.
He noted that the 2004 tsunami’s economic damage was estimated at US $1.5–2 billion. When asked about potential adjustments to the 2026 budget or renewed engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Chandrakeerthi said such steps would be considered only after the full assessment of the cyclone’s economic impact. “We have only a rough estimate now,” he added.
