The leadership offers condolences to the President of Sri Lanka for the victims of Cyclone Ditwah

The Saudi leadership, represented by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent two cables of condolence and sympathy to His Excellency President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, following the devastating cyclone “Detwah” that struck the country and caused heavy human and material losses.

Telegram from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques

In his telegram, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, expressed his profound sorrow at the news of the cyclone and the resulting deaths and missing persons. The King stated in the telegram: "We have learned of Cyclone Detwah, which struck the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, and the resulting deaths and missing persons. While sharing your grief in this tragedy, we extend to Your Excellency, the families of the deceased, and your friendly people our deepest condolences and sincere sympathies, praying for the safe return of the missing to their families and that you may be spared any further harm.".

Condolences from the Crown Prince

For his part, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent a similar cable to the Sri Lankan President, affirming the Kingdom's solidarity with Sri Lanka in this ordeal. His Highness's cable read: "I have learned of Cyclone Detwah, which struck the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, and the resulting deaths and missing persons. I express to Your Excellency, to the families of the deceased, and to your friendly people my deepest condolences and sincere sympathy, wishing for the safe return of the missing to their families, and that you may be spared any further harm.".

The aftermath of Cyclone Ditoah and the human losses

This Saudi solidarity comes at a time when Sri Lanka and other Southeast Asian countries are facing a severe wave of extreme weather, with reports indicating a worrying rise in the death toll. Cyclone Detwah and the accompanying floods have caused widespread destruction of infrastructure and displaced thousands. Initial estimates suggest that the number of victims in Sri Lanka alone has exceeded 410, while the total death toll in the region, which includes Indonesia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, has risen to approximately 1,100, making it one of the most devastating natural disasters in recent times.

Saudi-Sri Lankan relations and the humanitarian dimension

These messages embody the depth of the bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Sri Lanka, relations that span decades of joint cooperation across various fields. Based on its leading role and its Islamic and international standing, the Kingdom has consistently stood by its friendly and brotherly nations during crises and natural disasters. This swift diplomatic action by the Saudi leadership reflects the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to providing moral and humanitarian support and alleviating the suffering of affected populations—a consistent approach in Saudi foreign policy, which prioritizes humanitarian considerations in its international dealings.