Sri Lanka: Cyclone ditwah Exposes government Neglect and Exploitation of Workers
Table of Contents
Biyagama, Sri Lanka – World Socialist Web Site (WSWS) reporters visited Biyagama, a town in Gampaha district located about 20 km from Colombo, on december 7 to speak with survivors of flooding caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
Workers from teh Biyagama export Processing Zone (BEPZ), many of whom live in boarding houses, along with small and medium-sized business owners, are among those affected. The area is highly vulnerable to frequent flooding from the Kelani River, one of Sri Lanka’s four major rivers.
The flooding was so severe that roads, houses and businesses were fully or partially submerged. Workers, small shop owners and residents described to reporters the terrifying impact of the disaster, the repeated flooding they endure and the destruction caused this time by the overflowing Kelani River.
Temporary shelters for flood victims were set up at Yabaraluwa Ananda Vidyalaya (school) and a nearby temple.
Reporters visited a boarding house in Malwana, where a group of workers from the HJS Condiments factory-a food processing company under the Hayleys Group, located in BEPZ-were staying. They noted that, compared to the floods in 2016, the water level this time rose more than three feet higher.
Jayani, a young female worker from Rakwana (over 130 km from Colombo), said: “If the rulers had been concerned about the people, they [the victims] could have been saved, though perhaps the houses would still have been destroyed. If the rulers had alerted the people, in advance, that a cyclone was approaching, deaths could have been prevented.”
Commenting on the failure to use available technology, she added: “There should be such technology, even though there are experts in Sri lanka. But the rulers do not allow technology to be utilized. Politicians are not concerned about the people, whether they are dead or alive.”
On the attitude of the capitalist class toward human life, she remarked: “Their only interest is in extracting as much work as possible, and they will never save people [from disasters].”
[Image of people walking in a submerged street in Biyagama, Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah, December 2, 2025]
Jayani also described the conditions of exploitation at her factory: “My basic salary is about 31,000 rupees per month.I pay 8,000 rupees for my room. I’ve bought a motorcycle on a leasing plan,and I have to pay for that.After paying for meals, I have nothing left.”
The boarding house owner, who also works at the same factory, described how they were affected on November 29: “This time, a large volume of water entered the house.The fridge, the washing machine, clothing cupboards, the sofa and other belongings went under water. In an hour, everything was inundated.” She explained
Sri Lankan Workers Face Ongoing Hardship Despite Government Change, Cyclone Ditwah’s impact
Recent reports from Sri Lanka highlight the continued economic vulnerability of its workforce, particularly daily wage laborers, despite a change in government. The impact of Cyclone Ditwah in late 2023 and ongoing systemic issues are exacerbating hardship, with many workers reporting no improvement in their living conditions. A core issue, as articulated by some workers, is that basic solutions to these problems remain “unthinkable” within the current capitalist framework.
Cyclone Ditwah’s Devastating Impact
cyclone Ditwah,which struck Sri Lanka in late 2023,caused widespread devastation. According to a United Nations Development Program (UNDP) study, over 1.1 million hectares – nearly 20% of Sri Lanka’s land area – were inundated, resulting in meaningful damage to homes, infrastructure, and essential services.More than 3,200 industries reported losses, and an estimated 2.3 million people – over 10% of the country’s population – were affected [https://www.undp.org/sri-lanka/publications/impact-assessment-cyclone-ditwah-sri-lanka].
The Plight of daily Wage Laborers
The economic consequences of the cyclone, coupled with pre-existing economic challenges, are acutely felt by daily wage laborers. One female worker described her employment in industries such as tea packaging in Wellampitiya and Kelanimulla, beer manufacturing in Hanwella, and garment factories in Piliyandala. she reported losing a week of work due to the flooding.
Her income, typical for many in this sector, fluctuates between 1,700 and 2,000 rupees per day, resulting in a monthly earning of 35,000 to 40,000 rupees (approximately $260 – $295 USD as of December 12, 2025, based on current exchange rates [https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=40000&From=LKR&To=USD]). Her husband, also a daily wage laborer, earns a similar amount.This income is often insufficient to provide economic security, especially given the precarious nature of their employment.
Lack of Change Under New Government
Despite the election of the JVP/NPP government, workers interviewed report no tangible improvement in their lives. “There is no change in our lives. it’s the same as previous governments,” one worker stated. This sentiment reflects a broader disillusionment with the political system’s ability to address the fundamental economic challenges faced by the working class.The lack of access to permanent employment opportunities,particularly for those in their forties and beyond,contributes to a pervasive sense of uncertainty about the future.
systemic issues and the Need for Fundamental change
The worker’s comment that “real solutions…do not yet exist and are even unthinkable” points to a deeper critique of the capitalist system. This suggests a belief that the current economic structure inherently prevents the implementation of policies that would genuinely improve the lives of working people. The ongoing vulnerability of Sri Lankan workers to economic shocks,like Cyclone Ditwah,underscores the need for systemic changes that prioritize social welfare and economic security over profit.
Related reading