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Did Pakistan send expired food and medical supplies to Sri Lanka during Cyclone Ditwah? The controversial aid triggered social media outrage, raising questions about the intent and impact of Pakistan’s relief efforts amid the humanitarian crisis.
Pakistan sent relief supplies to Sri Lanka, later found to be expired.
New Delhi: Pakistan’s relief shipment to Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah has sparked widespread criticism after it was discovered that several items were expired by over a year. Photos circulating online showed medical supplies and packaged food with expiration dates of October 2024.
The aid was intended to support Sri Lanka’s rescue and relief efforts, but the revelation of expired items caused netizens to accuse Pakistan of sending old stock instead of meaningful assistance.
Social Media Outcry
The Pakistan High Commission in Sri Lanka initially shared images of the relief materials on social media platform X, highlighting the delivery as an act of solidarity. The post was captioned, "Relief packages from Pakistan have been successfully delivered to assist our brothers and sisters affected by the recent floods in Sri Lanka, which signifies our unwavering solidarity."
However, users quickly noticed the expiration dates and reacted sharply. Comments accused Pakistan of sending garbage to a nation in crisis, with some jokingly advising the High Commission not to open the post’s comment section. Questions were also raised about whether some of the packages were even manufactured in Sri Lanka, adding to the controversy.
Two days after the post went live, the Pakistan High Commission deleted it amid mounting criticism.
Pakistan is sending 1 year expired materials to flood prone Sri Lanka because Buddhists are kafirs. It’s better to die of hunger than die because of poison. https://t.co/E7mowo6X5M pic.twitter.com/WRMxDnoGcE
— Lord Immy Kant (@KantInEastt) December 2, 2025
Sri Lanka’s Plight and Urgent Needs
Sri Lanka is grappling with one of the worst natural disasters in decades. Cyclone Ditwah has displaced thousands of people, damaged infrastructure, and created shortages of food and medical supplies. The Disaster Management Centre confirmed that the death toll from floods and landslides had risen to 390 by Monday evening.
The controversy over Pakistan’s expired aid comes at a time when timely and safe relief is critical for the island nation. Authorities and citizens expressed concern that such gestures, instead of helping, could further complicate recovery efforts.
India Steps Up Rescue Operations
Meanwhile, India has actively contributed to Sri Lanka’s relief and rescue operations. National Disaster Response Force personnel, along with the Indian Air Force, have been deployed under Operation Sagar Bandhu. Two urban search and rescue teams of eighty NDRF personnel arrived in Colombo, accompanied by helicopters on board the INS Vikrant.
Additionally, the Indian Air Force delivered 21 tonnes of relief materials via transport aircraft, while the Indian Navy sent supplies through INS Sukanya to the eastern port of Trincomalee.
International Support for Sri Lanka
Several countries and organizations have extended humanitarian support to Sri Lanka. The United Kingdom pledged nearly nine hundred thousand dollars for emergency relief, China committed a million dollars in cash along with ten million Renminbi worth of supplies, and Australia announced one million Australian dollars in aid. Nepal also pledged two hundred thousand US dollars for recovery operations.
The Sri Lankan government has initiated a special fund for disaster recovery with participation from public and private sectors, while the World Bank has been tasked with conducting a rapid post-disaster damage assessment to guide future relief efforts.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s controversial relief shipment has drawn attention and criticism, highlighting the importance of quality and timely aid during humanitarian crises. As Sri Lanka continues to cope with the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, global support and coordinated relief efforts remain crucial to saving lives and rebuilding affected communities.
