Colombo: Cyclone Ditwah, which swept through Sri Lanka at the end of November, has caused severe damage and is expected to delay the country’s fragile economic recovery. Officials and aid agencies say the disaster has pushed millions of people into hardship, with many families already struggling after years of economic challenges.

According to government estimates, the cyclone has flooded nearly one fifth of the country. More than 2.3 million people were living in affected areas when the storm hit. Roads, railways, bridges and thousands of buildings were damaged or destroyed. About 720000 structures and more than 16000 kilometres of roads are reported to be affected.

Agriculture has suffered a major blow. Close to 575000 hectares of paddy fields were destroyed, and tea production is e

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