Sri Lanka In Crisis

Nepal’s fellow South Asian nation, Sri Lanka, is currently reeling from the catastrophic effects of Cyclone Ditwah. The cyclone in question has triggered floods and landslides across the island, affecting an economy that is still on the path to recovery from the 2019 economic crisis. Once again, this natural disaster highlights the urgent need to revive the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) for the greater good of the South Asian region.

Cyclone Ditwah came in late November 2025 in Sri Lanka, wreaking major havoc in the eastern and central parts of the country. It brought about torrential rain and landslides that caused major damage to life and property. As per reports, more than 470 people have lost their lives. The United Nations (UN) states that nearly 233,000 people have been displaced, with 565 houses fully destroyed and more than 20,271 houses partially destroyed. 

Owing to such massive destruction, the Sri Lankan government has declared a state of national emergency. The country's economy, which had been struggling toward recovery amidst numerous challenges, has been thrown into disarray. To tackle the situation, the government has now requested foreign assistance for its recovery efforts. Apparently, $6 to $7 billion is needed for the country to just return to normalcy. At present, major physical infrastructures, including roads and electricity lines, have been destroyed, hampering the government’s relief and rescue efforts as well. What is more harrowing is the looming threat of food insecurity and disease outbreaks that can result in a serious public health crisis. 

The Nepali government recently announced a relief package of $200,000 for the country. This is Nepal’s way of expressing its solidarity and providing assistance for the humanitarian relief and rescue efforts. In similar ways, numerous foreign governments and international organisations like the World Food Programme (WFP) have extended their support and assistance to Sri Lanka.

But, at this critical time, we are forced to feel the gap created within the South Asian region by the inactivity of the SAARC. The regional organisation was established to promote cooperation among the South Asian countries. However, it is in a state of defunct, demanding to be revived through the joint efforts of the member countries. Had SAARC been active, Sri Lanka would have felt more supported. 

It is not just the Sri Lankan case, but we have consistently seen how the South Asian region is highly vulnerable to natural disasters. All eight member countries, including India, Nepal, Pakistan and Afghanistan, suffer excessively from inundation and landslides every single year. To tackle the disasters, countries require huge financial investment and technical cooperation, which is only possible through joint efforts. Therefore, regional cooperation in the area of public health and climate change is imperative today. Relief, rescue and rehabilitation works can be made more effective and targeted through regional blocs like SAARC.

The concept of functionalism highlights that cooperation in functional areas is a means to strengthen political relations between countries. This theory can be applied to revive SAARC and Nepal, as the current chair must take up the leadership role. Natural disasters are becoming a new global normal. As one of the most vulnerable regions, both financially and geographically, South Asia must learn its lessons from recurring tragedies. We must unite to effectively fight against these disasters and their devastating impacts.