Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa said yesterday (24) that a report assessing the impact of cyclone Ditwah on the education sector has now been prepared and will undergo verification before further action is taken.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, Kaluwewa explained that verification workshops would be conducted in all Provinces in the coming days to review and confirm the data included in the report. 

“We need to verify the information contained in the report. Once the verification process is completed and the report is officially released, we will take necessary action,” he said.

The Ministry earlier stated that a comprehensive sector-wide study was initiated to assess the impact of Ditwah on education, identify existing gaps and future requirements, and guide policy responses based on evidence.

Kaluwewa said at the time that the assessment was being carried out with the support of the United Nations Children's Fund, which is leading the process together with other relevant stakeholders. He said that evidence-based decision-making is essential, noting that sustainable solutions could not be introduced without a credible and accepted assessment.

The decision to conduct a sector-wide evaluation was taken following Ditwah, which caused widespread damage across several parts of the country. The education sector was among the most affected, with many schools sustaining damages to buildings, classrooms and learning materials. In some areas, school premises continue to function as temporary shelters for families displaced by the disaster. The cyclone also had a direct impact on students. Some children lost parents or guardians, leaving them emotionally affected and without stable support systems. Many others lost textbooks, uniforms, exercise books and essential learning materials.