• UNICEF-led stakeholder study to assess impact, identify gaps and needs, guide policy based on verified data 

The Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education Ministry stated that a comprehensive study covering the entire education sector is currently underway to assess the impact of Cyclone Ditwah on the sector, identify existing gaps and future needs, and guide policy responses based on verified data.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, the Ministry Secretary, Nalaka Kaluwewa said that the study is being carried out with the support of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), which is leading the process, together with the participation of the other relevant stakeholders. Emphasising the need for evidence-based decision-making, he said that they could not find solutions to the issues that have arisen without a credible assessment. "The decision to conduct a sector-wide assessment was taken in the aftermath of Ditwah. Like other sectors, education requires a detailed analysis that is accepted by all parties, particularly when engaging with international donors and development partners to address issues caused by the disasters. Any solutions that we propose must be backed by a study that is recognised internationally,” he said. He added that UNICEF was requested to lead the study due to its technical capacity and experience in education sector assessments. "The Ministry has asked that an initial report be submitted before 5 January of next year (2026). However, there will be changes in these timelines due to practical issues. The overall assessment is a long-term exercise that will continue beyond the initial findings."

Ditwah caused extensive damage across several parts of the country, disrupting daily life and placing added pressure on public services. The education sector was among the hardest hit, as many schools sustained damage to buildings, classrooms, and learning materials. In several areas, school premises are also being used as temporary shelters for families displaced by the disaster. The cyclone had a direct and lasting impact on schoolchildren. Some students lost parents or guardians, leaving them emotionally distressed and without stable support systems. Many others lost textbooks, uniforms, exercise books, and basic learning materials, making it difficult to return to school even after classes resumed.