At least 334 people have been confirmed dead, while 370 remain missing in Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah. One of the gravest natural disasters in Sri Lanka’s recent history, it witnessed rising river levels, rising to historic highs, have left entire towns submerged, major bridges swept away and critical infrastructure collapsing.
The devastating Cyclone Ditwah hit Sri Lanka at a time when the Island was preparing to co-host the T20 World Cup early next year. Even though the cricket Infrastructure remains unaffected, the essential establishments to organize a Sport event like World Cup – roads, outstation hotels, connectivity between the cities – have severely been damaged!
In this scenario, the onus lies largely on the International Cricket Council (ICC) to come forward in the time of need. Sri Lanka, two world cup winning nation, has been a cricketing force for three decades now. Thus, it’s ICC’s responsibility to make sure it returns to normalcy before the marquee showpiece in February-March next year.
Along with the ICC, it’s time for the Board Of Control For Cricket In India (BCCI) as well to stand in solidarity with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in this difficult time. Due to the subcontinent geopolitic and India’s estranged relationship with Pakistan and Bangladesh, Sri Lanka remains a close, trustworthy ally for the BCCI. As the onus is on the BCCI to make the T20 World Cup a grand success being the main host, it needs Sri Lanka in a position to achieve this goal!
Reaffirming India’s support, New Delhi has sent emergency relief materials and humanitarian assistance under Operation Sagar Bandhu to help Sri Lanka cope with the impact of the cyclone. Following Cyclone Ditwah, which caused severe flooding and landslides, India has rapidly deployed a multi-agency Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission. These efforts align with India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and Vision SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), underscoring its role as a first responder in the Indian Ocean region.
