The FIFA Foundation has extended emergency humanitarian assistance to communities across Sri Lanka following the devastating impact of Cyclone Ditwah.

The tropical storm, which struck South Asia in late November and early December last year, unleashed torrential rainfall that triggered widespread flooding and landslides. Sri Lanka was among the worst affected, with more than 600 confirmed fatalities and over 360 people reported missing. Estimates indicate that between 800,000 and 1.1 million people were impacted nationwide.

Humanitarian Support Through FIFA Foundation

In response to the disaster, the FIFA Foundation has activated its Humanitarian Fund to provide financial assistance to affected districts. The support is being delivered through an international humanitarian partner operating on the ground to ensure urgent needs are addressed swiftly and effectively.

Relief efforts are focused on:

• Emergency shelter for displaced families
• Health services and medical assistance
• Water and sanitation support
• Livelihood assistance for vulnerable communities

Importantly, the initiative also prioritises members of Sri Lanka’s grassroots football network — including young players, coaches and volunteers whose lives have been severely disrupted.

Protecting the Local Football Ecosystem

Executive Chairman Mauricio Macri emphasised the Foundation’s commitment to standing with communities in times of crisis.

“The FIFA Foundation is committed to supporting those most in need when disaster strikes. By partnering with specialised organisations, we ensure that our support reaches football communities efficiently and equitably. Our priority is to address urgent humanitarian requirements while laying the groundwork for potential longer-term recovery support for the local football ecosystem.”

The cyclone has had a profound impact on districts that host youth academies and community football initiatives. Several training grounds and school pitches have been damaged, while many schools have been converted into emergency shelters. As a result, football activities in affected regions have come to a complete halt.

Football Federation Welcomes Support

Jaswar Umar, President of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka, expressed gratitude for the timely intervention.

“The impact of Cyclone Ditwah on our communities has been deep, affecting the lives of our young players and the networks that sustain our game. We are grateful for the support of the FIFA Foundation, which is providing vital relief to our football family during this incredibly challenging time.”

Assessments for Long-Term Recovery

FIFA representatives are currently conducting assessment missions to evaluate damage to infrastructure and football facilities. These findings will guide potential future assistance aimed at restoring football activities and rebuilding affected venues once immediate humanitarian priorities have been addressed.

The FIFA Foundation Humanitarian Fund has previously supported relief efforts worldwide, including recent emergency assistance provided to Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa.

As Sri Lanka continues its recovery from one of its most severe natural disasters in recent years, the support from global football bodies highlights the unifying and humanitarian power of the sport beyond the pitch.

Sri Lanka Head Coach Sanath Jayasuriya is set to step down from his role following today’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup clash against Pakistan, marking the end of another significant chapter in his long association with Sri Lanka Cricket.

Jayasuriya’s journey in cricket administration began in 2013 when he was appointed Chairman of Selectors. He served in that role until 2015 and later returned for a second stint from 2016 to 2017, guiding the national setup through a challenging transitional phase.

However, his career faced turbulence in 2019 when the International Cricket Council suspended him for two years due to non-cooperation with an anti-corruption investigation. The suspension kept him away from official cricket duties until 2021.

Return to the National Setup

In 2023, Jayasuriya made a comeback as a Consultant and Mentor, signaling his renewed commitment to rebuilding Sri Lankan cricket. His involvement deepened in June 2024 when he was appointed Consultant for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Following the resignation of Chris Silverwood in July 2024, Jayasuriya stepped in as Interim Head Coach. By October 2024, he was officially confirmed as Sri Lanka’s Full-Time Head Coach, a role he held through March 2026.

A Disappointing World Cup Exit

Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup campaign — co-hosted alongside India — ended in disappointment. Led by Dasun Shanaka, the team failed to progress beyond the Super 8 stage despite early promise in the tournament.

The exit has triggered serious reflection within Sri Lanka Cricket, and Jayasuriya’s decision to step down signals the beginning of another rebuilding phase for the national side.

While results may not have gone Sri Lanka’s way in this campaign, Jayasuriya’s influence — both as a player and administrator — remains deeply woven into the fabric of Sri Lankan cricket.

More updates are expected following today’s clash against Pakistan.

Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka has admitted that his future as T20 skipper is no longer in his control following the team’s early exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, stating that the decision now rests entirely with selectors and Sri Lanka Cricket.

“I don’t know how long I will be as captain. It’s not in my hand; it’s up to the selectors and Sri Lanka Cricket. I’m happy to lead this team. I have taken some good decisions; in the meantime, some didn’t go as planned,” Shanaka said after Sri Lanka’s 61-run defeat to New Zealand.

His remarks came at the end of a turbulent campaign that began with promise but ended in disappointment.

Tactical Misread Proves Costly

Shanaka openly acknowledged that misjudging conditions played a key role in the heavy loss to New Zealand at the R. Premadasa Stadium.

Sri Lanka elected to bowl first, expecting the fresh surface to behave similarly to earlier matches.

“We thought the pitch would be a good one because it was new. We didn’t expect it to turn that much. It was a collective decision to bowl first. Unfortunately, it didn’t go the way we thought. It became another typical Kettarama wicket where the ball spun.”

New Zealand recovered from 84 for 6 thanks to a late assault, adding 70 runs in the final four overs to reach 168 for 7 — a surge Shanaka admitted proved decisive.

“They bided their time and then exploded. Conceding 70 runs in four overs was disheartening. If we had kept them around 130, we might have had a chance.”

Batting Collapse Seals Fate

Sri Lanka’s reply faltered immediately. Pathum Nissanka fell first ball, and regular wickets derailed the chase. Only Kamindu Mendis (31) and Dunith Wellalage (29) showed resistance, but the target was never seriously threatened.

Shanaka did not hide his frustration.

“We have some of the best batters in the country. Everyone walks out intending to win for Sri Lanka. It’s very disappointing that we couldn’t deliver anything for our fans.”

He also reflected on the narrow defeat to England earlier in the Super 8 stage — a result that, in his view, could have changed the team’s tournament trajectory.

A Campaign of Highs and Lows

Sri Lanka’s World Cup journey started brightly with wins over Ireland, Oman and Australia. However, a shock loss to Zimbabwe in the final group game shifted momentum dramatically.

Subsequent defeats to England and New Zealand ended hopes of a semi-final berth.

With one match remaining against Pakistan in Pallekele, Sri Lanka now play purely for pride.

“I have no words for the fans to say we haven’t given them anything to cheer for. But we will look forward to ending the tournament on a high,” Shanaka concluded.

What Next for Shanaka?

Shanaka’s comments suggest uncertainty over his leadership future. While he remains willing to continue, the final call lies with selectors and Sri Lanka Cricket — decisions likely to shape the next phase of Sri Lanka’s T20 rebuild.

As the curtain falls on a disappointing campaign, attention now turns to accountability, leadership direction, and whether change is on the horizon for Sri Lankan cricket