Sampath Kotuwegoda

Sampath Kotuwegoda is the Director General of Sri Lanka's Disaster Management Centre (DMC). He is newsworthy due to the ongoing crisis in Sri Lanka caused by Cyclone Ditwah in late November/early December 2025. Torrential rains and floods triggered by the cyclone have resulted in widespread destruction, a rising death toll (currently at 153), and a large number of missing persons (191). Kotuwegoda, as the DMC director general, is responsible for overseeing relief operations, which include moving displaced people (78,000) to welfare centers. The DMC is also coordinating with international organizations to seek foreign assistance to cope with the disaster, which has destroyed nearly 15,000 homes. Kotuwegoda's role is crucial in managing the immediate aftermath of the cyclone and coordinating efforts to provide aid and support to affected communities.