3/30/2026
Qatar Charitty (QC) has reinforced Sri Lanka’s national disaster response capacity by handing over a new set of search and rescue equipment to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), with funding from the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD). The handover took place during an official ceremony at the DMC headquarters in Colombo.
The event was attended by H.E. Hamad bin Mohammed Al‑Dosari, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Sri Lanka, while the equipment was formally received by Major General (Retd.) Sampath Kotuwegoda, Director General of DMC.
The assistance was provided under the project “Provision of Search and Rescue Equipment to Support Disaster Management Centre (DMC) Operations.” The delivered equipment included 22 generators, 22 outboard motors for rescue boats, 22 submersible water pumps, as well as 22 sets of flexible hoses and related accessories.
The equipment is expected to significantly enhance the DMC’s ability to deploy rapid emergency response teams, operate rescue boats efficiently, support field operations, and conduct water extraction in flood‑affected areas. Together, these resources will contribute to strengthening preparedness and improving operational efficiency across 22 districts impacted by Cyclone Ditwah.
This support represents the second phase of an ongoing humanitarian project implemented by Qatar Charity with funding from QFFD. The first phase, completed earlier, provided emergency relief assistance to nearly 2,000 families affected by severe flooding. The current phase focuses on reinforcing operational response mechanisms by equipping the DMC with modern tools essential for rapid action during natural disasters. The project also includes the distribution of emergency food parcels to approximately 1,800 flood‑affected families in the hardest‑hit areas, helping to enhance food security and ease humanitarian burdens.
Sri Lanka suffered widespread damage following Cyclone Ditwah, which triggered severe flooding and landslides in several regions. In line with its commitment to supporting affected communities, Qatar Charity expanded its intervention to bolster the DMC’s readiness and enhance its mission‑critical operational capabilities. The initiative reflects the strong partnership between Qatar and Sri Lanka in humanitarian relief, disaster risk reduction, and community resilience.
During the ceremony, Major General (Retd.) Sampath Kotuwegoda expressed heartfelt appreciation to Qatar Charity, QFFD, and the Government and people of the State of Qatar for their timely and generous support. He noted that the equipment would be deployed in the most affected districts, helping strengthen coordination and emergency response nationwide.
For his part, Mahmoud Abu Khalifa, Country Director of Qatar Charity’s Sri Lanka Branch, emphasized that the project represents a significant contribution to strengthening the country’s disaster preparedness framework. He explained that the equipment will enhance the DMC’s operational capacity while supporting long‑term disaster resilience, and expressed gratitude to QFFD, the State of Qatar, and the Embassy of Qatar in Colombo for their continued support.
Ambassador Al‑Dosari reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka during emergencies and highlighted the strength of bilateral relations between the two countries. He underscored Qatar’s dedication to humanitarian partnerships that prioritize saving lives, protecting vulnerable communities, and supporting sustainable recovery, noting that the initiative reflects Qatar’s continued role as a key partner in Sri Lanka’s disaster management sector.
The newly delivered equipment will be integrated into the DMC’s emergency deployment units across the country, strengthening disaster preparedness at both national and district levels.