A Cry for Hope from Gampola, Sri Lanka

On the night of November 27th and 28th, our lives changed forever.

I live in Gampola, Sri Lanka, one of the cities most devastated by the unexpected Ditwa Cyclone flooding. What began as heavy rain quickly turned into a nightmare. Water rushed into our homes with terrifying speed. Within minutes, everything we had built over a lifetime was submerged.

That night, my family — my parents, uncles, aunts, children, and even our beloved pets — had only one choice: run to a nearby upstairs building to save our lives. We left behind our home, not knowing if we would ever return. We held our children close, praying through the darkness, unsure of what the morning would bring.

We survived — and for that, we are grateful.
But when we returned, our home was no longer the same.

The flood had taken everything.

All our home equipment, food supplies, children’s school stationery, clothes, mattresses, pillows, and basic household items were destroyed. The muddy water left nothing usable behind. For our children, their books and belongings — symbols of safety and routine — were gone. For our elders, essential items and medicines were lost.

With the help of our kind community, we managed to clean the house. Strangers became family, lending hands and hearts. But cleaning is only the first step. Rebuilding a life requires resources we simply do not have.

Today, we are urgently in need of help to:

Buy medicines for our parents and adults

Purchase food and daily essentials

Replace clothes, bedding, and children’s necessities

Begin the slow process of rebuilding our lives with dignity

This is not easy for us to ask. But disasters do not give warnings, and recovery cannot be done alone.

If you are reading this, please know that your donation — no matter how small — can bring hope where despair now lives. Your kindness can help a family stand back on their feet, help children feel safe again, and help elders receive the care they need.

From the bottom of our hearts,
Thank you for standing with us in this time of need.
Please donate and help us rebuild our lives.

🙏