Natural disasters show that marginalised communities need more help

Feminist Collective for Economic Justice, a collective of feminist economists, scholars, feminist activists, university students and lawyers, through a press release demands prioritising marginalised communities in disaster preparedness, equitable relief and economic justice.

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Whilst recognising the efforts and humanitarian motives of all rescue efforts underway, we note for the future the need to move towards civilian systems. (Picture courtesy social media)

(social media)

The following is an excerpt of the release:

It's been many days of relentless rains and winds devastating the island as Cyclonic Storm Ditwah approached and made landfalls in Sri Lanka. At the time of writing, we are heartbroken that close to 355 people have lost their lives and as many as 366 people are missing. Nearly 15,000 to 25,000 homes are damaged, and more than 59,000 families have been displaced.

The highest casualties were reported from Badulla, Kandy, Kegalle, Matale and Nuwara Eliya districts; areas especially prone to landslides and home to already marginalised and vulnerable working class tea plantation workers.

Telecommunication lines are down in many districts, leaving people without a way to call for help. A state of emergency was declared on November 28, 2025. First responders working tirelessly have been providing support. However, with the prevailing conditions, the human impact and death toll are expected to increase.

The lack of information, transparency and coordination have left communities in the most vulnerable areas stranded with no help. Although dedicated disaster management systems have been in place in Sri Lanka since the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, these systems turned out to be ill-prepared. Evacuation notices were issued, often only after roads were flooded.