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Local actor and musician GK Reginold navigates a small craft through Colombo's suburbs, aiming to bring essential supplies to those in desperate need.

Some of the families, Mr Reginold says, have gone without help for days, cut off by the country's worst weather disaster in recent years.

The powerful storm lashed the country last week, bringing catastrophic floods and landslides that killed more than 400 people, with hundreds unaccounted for and leveled 20,000 homes.

But the flooding has also sparked a surge in community help, as people face what the president has described as the "gravest natural disaster" in its history.

"My primary motivation for getting involved, is to at least ensure they get one meal," Mr Reginold states. "And I was so happy that I was able to do that."

More than one million people have been impacted by the disaster and a national emergency has been announced.

The armed forces has deployed helicopters for search and rescue, while relief assistance is flowing in from international partners and aid groups.

But it will be a lengthy process to recovery for Sri Lanka, which has seen its fair share of difficulties in recent years.

Community Organizers Volunteer at Community Kitchen

In Colombo's Wijerama neighbourhood, individuals who protested in 2022 are now operating a community kitchen that produces food aid.

The demonstrations from three years ago were driven by a severe economic downturn that caused shortages of fuel, food and medicine. Widespread frustration exploded and led to political change. Now, that political activism is being directed toward cyclone relief.

"People came after work, some took turns and some even used vacation time to be there," a social media activist explains.

"We reactivated the group as soon as we heard what was happening last Thursday," he says.

The organizer also views the kitchen as an "extension" of his community service in 2016, when heavy rains and floods affected hundreds across the country.

The team have gathered hundreds of requests for help, shared them to authorities, and managed the delivery of food.

"Whatever we asked for, we got more than enough in response from the community," he says.

Online Campaigns for Aid

A flurry of activity is also happening on the internet, where netizens have created a shared list to direct donations and helpers.

Another community-run website helps donors find relief camps and identify what is in highest demand in those areas.

Local businesses have organized fundraising efforts, while media outlets have started an effort to provide food and essential items like soap and toothbrushes.

Amid criticism over the management of preparations, the president has urged citizens to "put aside all divisions" and "unite to rebuild the nation".

Critics have claimed authorities of ignoring weather warnings, which they say worsened the disaster's effects.

Recently, opposition lawmakers protested in parliament, claiming that the government was trying to limit debate on the disaster.

On the ground, however, there remains a sense of unity as people begin the cleanup after the floods.

"In the end, the satisfaction of helping someone else in a crisis makes that tiredness fade," one volunteer wrote after working long hours at aid centers.

"Disasters are not new to us. But, the empathy and size of our hearts is greater than the damage that occurs during a disaster."