'Sri Lanka will take a long time to recover' - Australian High Commissioner Matthew Duckworth speaks to SBS Sinhala

When Cyclone Ditva devastated communities across Sri Lanka, the Australian Government and people were among the first to extend their support. In this podcast, we speak with the Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Mr Matthew Duckworth, about Australia’s assistance during this challenging period and the enduring friendship between our two nations.

WFP fortified food arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport on 6 December 2025, with Australia among the first nations to support Sri Lanka’s food assistance during Cyclone Ditwah. Inset (lower right): Australian High Commissioner Matthew Duckworth. Source: Supplied / Australian High Commission Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Australian and British officials unload aid in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, 13 December 2025. Source: Supplied / The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).

Aid relief distribution in Northern Sri Lanka. Source: Supplied / The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).

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