George Steuart Solutions restores essential power to communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah

The aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah left several communities across Sri Lanka severely impacted, and George Steuart Solutions stepped in to support recovery efforts where access to electricity remained critically limited. Many rural and hard-to-reach areas continued to face prolonged power outages, preventing essential services from resuming normal operations.

Reflecting a long-standing commitment to community responsibility upheld across the George Steuart Group, George Steuart Solutions deployed off-grid power systems to hospitals, medical centres, schools and community halls that were among the worst affected. Restoring electricity to these institutions was essential in enabling healthcare services and basic daily functions to restart for surrounding communities. This relief effort was carried out through Steuart Senehasa, the Group’s community engagement initiative, which epitomises the group’s belief in purpose beyond profit.

Working closely with Manusath Derana, George Steuart Solutions identified locations where immediate intervention was required. From the 4th of December onward, within a week of Cyclone Ditwah causing devastation in Sri Lanka, the company mobilised its technical installation teams to remote and difficult terrain across affected regions. Off-grid power systems were installed at rural locations including Warakalawita Community Hall in Hewahata, Theripaha Hospital, Madulla Hospital, and Siri Sadda Nanda Vidyalaya in Uduwa, helping bring electricity and light to areas that had remained without power since the cyclone.

The response effort included a particularly challenging installation at Meemure Aranya Senasanaya in Hunnasgiriya. Extensive landslides had completely cut off road access, making ground transportation of equipment impossible. The response effort included a particularly challenging installation at Meemure Aranya Senasanaya in Hunnasgiriya. Extensive landslides had completely cut off road access, making ground transportation of equipment impossible. In coordination with Manusath Derana, the Sri Lanka Air Force airlifted solar panels and essential system components to the site, enabling the installation to be carried out under extreme logistical constraints. Similar efforts are currently ongoing with the support of the Sri Lanka Air Force to extend off-grid power solutions to critically affected locations that remain a challenge to access.

The initiative focused on providing reliable, practical solutions rather than short-term relief. By deploying off-grid power systems with solar panels and batteries, George Steuart Solutions helped institutions regain operational stability and continue serving communities during a critical phase of recovery.

George Steuart Solutions (Private) Limited, a subsidiary of George Steuart & Company Pvt Ltd, delivers integrated industrial and infrastructure solutions across power, construction, commercial, and residential sectors. With specialised expertise in energy systems and project execution, the company is equipped to design and deploy dependable power solutions in challenging operating environments, enabling continuity of essential services when conventional infrastructure is disrupted.

This initiative is anchored in the legacy of George Steuart & Company Pvt Ltd, Sri Lanka’s oldest mercantile establishment, with a history spanning nearly 190 years. The Group has consistently responded to national challenges with practical, people-centred solutions, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to supporting resilience and recovery during times of difficulty.