Tokyo Cement Steps Forward to Support Children Affected by Cyclone Ditwah in Kandy and Badulla

Recognizing the devastating impact Cyclone Ditwah has had on millions of lives across the island, the Tokyo Cement Group has stepped forward to support the educational journeys of children impacted by the disaster in Kandy and Badulla Districts.

Responding to the Government's call for charitable organisations and corporate citizens to support communities rebuild their lives in the wake of the cyclone, Tokyo Cement identified the urgent needs of 79 children below the age of 18, from the Kandy and Badulla Districts, who had lost one or both parents. With the objective of ensuring that these children can continue their education without interruption, the Group has undertaken to provide each child with a monthly educational allowance of Rs. 5,000 for a period of three years, commencing in July 2026. The initiative supports 48 children from the Kandy District and 31 children from the Badulla District, who are presently under the care of close family guardians, with their welfare being overseen by the respective District Secretariats and authorities of child protection services.

Working in close partnership with the District Secretariats of Kandy and Badulla, Tokyo Cement Group started remitting the monthly allowance directly to the bank accounts of the guardians appointed to care for the children. The monthly allowance is intended to ease some of the financial burden associated with their education and, more importantly, help ensure that the disruption and personal tragedy they have endured does not stand in the way of their opportunity to learn, grow and build a better future.

To mark the commencement of the initiative special token events were held recently at the Kandy and Badulla District Secretariats. The event held at the Kandy District Secretariat was attended by the District Secretary Mr. Indika Udawatta and key officials from child protection services while the Badulla District event was attended by Administrative Officer Mrs. Poornima Basnayake and Child Rights Promotion Officer Mrs. Renuka, alongside Mr. Salinda Kandapola, Corporate Sustainability Manager and Mr. Manjula Piyasena, Project Coordinator, representing the Tokyo Cement Group.

For Tokyo Cement, the initiative represents more than financial assistance for the children at a critical point in their lives. This three-year commitment reflects the Group's belief that education remains one of the most powerful pathways through which a child can overcome adversity and create new possibilities for the future. While no support can replace what these children have lost, Tokyo Cement Group hopes that this small gesture of solidarity will provide encouragement and reassurance to continue their education, empowering them to pursue their dreams and aspirations.