In the face of severe flooding that has displaced thousands across Sri Lanka, the power of local peacebuilding networks has come through. District Inter Religious Committees (DIRCs), NPC’s community-based formations, swiftly mobilised to provide critical relief to over 1,500 cyclone-affected people in seven districts.

While national efforts address the large scale crisis, the DIRCs comprising local religious leaders, civil society activists and volunteers have demonstrated the strength of organised, compassionate community action. Their response goes beyond distributing aid; it is a testament to solidarity that transcends ethnic and religious lines during a shared national hardship.



A Snapshot of Grassroots Impact

From the North Central plains to the Southern coast, DIRC networks activated independently and in partnership, proving themselves as capable first responders.

• A vital free medical clinic was launched in Kurunegala through a partnership between the Kurunegala DIRC and Didulasa Medical Centre, providing a swift response to the flood emergency. The service was targetted at communities severely impacted by the rising waters of the Daduru Oya. Recognising the immediate health risks posed by floodwaters, the initiative provided comprehensive medical checkups and distributed essential medicines free of charge. This effort aimed to prevent the outbreak of waterborne diseases and address urgent health needs among displaced and affected families. Headed by DIRC members including Saman Keerthi Bandaranayake and supported by the voluntary medical expertise of Dr. Bawantha Tennakoon, the clinic stands as evidence to community solidarity and proactive humanitarian intervention during a time of need.
• Anuradhapura DIRC, with support from the Sri Lanka Centre for Development Facilitation, voluntarily provided over 895 meals across three days to displaced families in Mihintale and Rabeewa, ensuring nutritional support during the most acute phase of displacement.
• Kurunegala DIRC distributed cooked meals, dry rations, medicine, clothing and sanitation items to 300 people. Volunteers assisted in cleaning mud filled homes as floodwaters receded.
• In Matara, a sustained relief operation continues from the Ganewatta Purana Temple with DIRC Coordinator Amarasena Samarathunga and Venerable Ratmalketiye Siridamma Thero leading the distribution of essential dry rations, medicines and sanitation items to affected families.

• Practical solidarity was shown in Monaragala where DIRC volunteers independently organised to clean the flood-affected Kammari Amman Kovil and its surroundings, restoring a vital place of worship and community.
• Simultaneous, targetted actions provided lunch packets and sanitary items to 80 beneficiaries in Polonnaruwa, meals for 220 individuals in Vavuniya and dry rations, clothing and sanitary support to families in Kegalle.

This crisis response is not an isolated event but a reflection of a deeper mision. The DIRCs, formed and empowered by NPC to build trust and cooperation among diverse communities, have proven their infrastructure is not just for dialogue but also for action. When disaster strikes, these established networks of trust become channels of immediate humanitarian aid, demonstrating that the true foundation of peace is practical empathy and shared responsibility.

The extraordinary initiative, empathy and sensitivity shown by all DIRC coordinators, members, partner organisations and local donors is worthy of commendation. Their quick, voluntary response embodies the spirit of resilient and harmonious communities towards the goal of sustainable peace.