As Cyclonic Storm Ditwah brought extreme rainfall, flooding, and widespread infrastructure disruption across Sri Lanka, conventional communication systems faltered at the very moment reliable coordination was most critical. Mobile networks, internet connectivity, and grid power were compromised across multiple districts, isolating communities and placing enormous strain on emergency responders.
In these critical hours, Amateur Radio once again proved to be a resilient and dependable lifeline.
The Radio Society of Sri Lanka (RSSL), together with the Amateur Radio Civil Services Network (ARCSN), activated its emergency communication capability to support national response efforts, demonstrating the enduring value of volunteer-driven, independent communication systems during disasters.
A Rapid Volunteer Response
RSSL’s emergency communication response was powered entirely by trained volunteer amateur radio operators who mobilized at short notice, many while personally affected by the same severe weather conditions.
Operating under challenging circumstances; including prolonged rain, power outages, difficult access routes, and extended operational hours, these volunteers established and maintained communication links that bridged affected regions with coordination centres, ensuring that vital information continued to flow when it mattered most.
Their efforts were not only technical, but humanitarian; driven by a deep commitment to public service.
RSSL Operators Who Served During the Ditwah Emergency
4S7RS/TRC – Colombo
- 30 November:
4S7VK, 4S7PA, 4S7PL, 4S7NYL, SWL Thevjan, SWL Buddhila - 1 December:
4S7DF, 4S6RML, 4S5MST, 4S6TKA, SWL Buddhila, SWL Timothy, SWL Thevjan - 2 December:
4S6TKA, 4S5MST, SWL Buddhila, SWL Timothy, SWL Thevjan
4S7RS/Chilaw
- 4S7RWN – Ruwan
- 4S6MIR – Ifthar
4S7RS/Girandurukotte
- 4S7DZ – Dimuthu
- 4S7MAN – Manjula
Each of these individuals contributed time, expertise, and personal resources often through sleepless nights and harsh conditions to ensure uninterrupted emergency communications.
Collaboration with National Institutions
RSSL’s response was strengthened through close coordination with government institutions and partners who recognized the importance of resilient communication during crises.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the following individuals and institutions for their support, coordination, and trust:
Special Mentions
- Mr. Waruna Sri Dhanapala – Secretary, Ministry of Digital Economy
- Mr. S. Gunanandana – Director, Spectrum Management, TRCSL
- Mrs. Augusta Gayanthini – Assistant Director, Spectrum Management, TRCSL
- Mr. Davishka Hasaranga – TRCSL
- Mr. Denuka Chamath – TRCSL
- Mrs. Indu Jayathilake – Disaster Management Centre (DMC)
Industry & Coordination Support
- Dr. Upendra Peiris – CEO, Orel IT
- Mr. Hisham Sally – Orel IT
- Mr. Malith Galketiya – Orel IT
- Mr. Vishwa Liyanapathirana – Orel IT
Sri Lanka Air Force
- Air Vice Marshal Dammika Dias
- Wing Commander V. Silva
Their cooperation exemplifies the power of public–volunteer partnerships in strengthening national resilience.
Why Amateur Radio Matters in Disasters
Amateur Radio is uniquely suited for emergency response because it:
- Operates independently of commercial networks
- Functions during extended power outages
- Can be deployed rapidly using portable and low-power equipment
- Enables direct, operator-to-operator communication across large distances
During Cyclonic Storm Ditwah, these qualities allowed RSSL volunteers to maintain communication continuity when modern infrastructure could not.
Building a More Resilient Future – A Call for Support
Cyclone Ditwah once again underscored a clear reality: Sri Lanka needs a stronger, more resilient emergency communication network, one that can withstand increasingly frequent and severe weather events.
RSSL is committed to strengthening this capability through:
- Expanding emergency-ready radio equipment
- Enhancing repeater coverage and backup power
- Training more volunteers nationwide
- Establishing stronger coordination frameworks with public agencies
To achieve this, support from donors, partner agencies, and well-wishers is essential.
By investing in amateur radio–based emergency communications, supporters are directly contributing to:
- Faster disaster response
- Better coordination during emergencies
- Protection of lives and livelihoods
Standing Ready—Always
For over seven decades, the Radio Society of Sri Lanka has served the nation during times of need. Cyclonic Storm Ditwah is another chapter in that legacy, written by volunteers who stepped forward when their country needed them most.
When everything else fails, radio works.
If you or your organization wish to support RSSL’s emergency communication initiatives, please contact us via [email protected] or visit www.rssl.lk.
Together, we can build a safer, more resilient Sri Lanka.
Read the full report here.
