In response to Cyclone Dithwa’s devastation in Sri Lanka on November 28, 2025, RED Organization launched a two-phased humanitarian initiative for affected communities in the Katunayake zone. The cyclone and flooding severely impacted the FTZ region, particularly displacing vulnerable migrant workers in boarding houses who lost access to food, water, and services. Despite challenging conditions, RED successfully distributed emergency relief packages containing dry rations, sanitary products, clothing, and ready-to-eat meals to address the immediate survival needs of this isolated population. Building on this initial emergency response, RED Organization extended its support to address the longer-term educational needs of the community’s…

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Date: 10th December 2025Subject: Emergency Relief Distribution for Flood-Affected Communities in the Katunayake FTZ and FTZ aeasOn November 28th, 2025, Cyclone Dithwa struck Sri Lanka, causing widespread disaster and severe flooding. One of the most critically impacted areas was the Katunayake Free Trade Zone (FTZ) region, where the overflow of the Attanagalu Oya river led to catastrophic flooding. The disaster severely affected the residential areas of Awariyawattha, Kovinna, Maduwa, and Walana, submerging homes and boarding houses. This area is densely populated with internal migrant workers from rural villages, who form the backbone of the FTZ workforce. Displaced and isolated, many were trapped in…

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Celebrating the dawn of the New Year 2026 together with the members of RED has always been one of our key annual activities. In keeping with this tradition, the New Year celebration was successfully organized with the active participation of both existing members of the RED organization and individuals who attended with the intention of obtaining new membership. The event provided an opportunity to strengthen unity, cooperation, and a sense of belonging among participants. During the celebration, attendees were warmly welcomed and were given New Year gifts as a token of appreciation. In addition, they enjoyed a short refreshment session,…

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This report is in response to your recent mails received us inquiring the flood situation in the Katunayake FTZ area. Please accept our sincere apologies for the delay in providing this update, which was necessitated by the overwhelming workload we have faced in responding to this crisis. Situation Overview & Impact The Katunayake FTZ area has been severely affected by recent flooding and the associated cyclonic conditions (Cyclone Dithwa). The severity of the impact is due to the area’s geography, as it is bordered by the Dandugam Oya river and significant areas of marshland. The population in this zone is…

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The event was attended by the Katana Divisional Secretary, Seeduwa Medical Officer of Health, Women and Children’s Unit of Awariwatte Police, Gampaha District NGO Representative, Grama Niladhari, Early Childhood Development Officers, Social Service Officers and Hostel Owners as decision-makers. The discussions highlighted the challenges faced by FTZ workers, such as minimum wages and job insecurity, child protection issues and social security. Solutions were discussed with these stakeholders to create safer, fairer and more collaborative work environments. At RED, we are committed to taking this grassroots reality to policymakers, ensuring that the rights and dignity of FTZ workers are protected and…

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The research report titled “Why Free Trade Zones Need On-Site Childcare Centres: Addressing the Childcare Gap” was successfully launched on 16 September 2025 at the Full Moon Garden Hotel Auditorium. This event marked an important milestone in the ongoing advocacy for the rights and well-being of working mothers in Sri Lanka’s Free Trade Zones (FTZs). The launch was graced by government officials, including the Assistant District Secretary, Divisional Secretary, Divisional Health Medical Officer, and Grama Niladhari. Key stakeholders such as hostel owners, representatives of like-minded organizations, and employee representatives were also in attendance. Together, they reflected on the critical findings…

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The event was attended by the Assistant District Secretary of Gampaha, the Divisional Secretary of Katana, the Medical Officer of Health – Seeduwa, officers from the Women and Child Division of the Awariwatta Police, the Gampaha District NGO Coordinator, Grama Niladhari officers, Early Childhood Development Officers, Social Service Officers, and hostel owners. During the forum, participants raised and discussed several critical issues faced by female workers in the Katunayake Free Trade Zone, including, Lack of a living wage, Insecurity of employment, Absence of an adequate social protection system, Lack of respect and recognition for female workers, Restrictions on freedom of…

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