The Southern Province of Sri Lanka experienced unprecedented rainfall during the months of September and October 2023 leading to severe floods in several areas of the Matara district. Thelijjawila in Akuressa was one of the worst hit areas. The President of the Lions Club of Akuressa made an appeal for assistance on behalf of the flood victims to Mrs Mitabi Gunawardene, President of the Lions Club of Havelock Town, Colombo and also a member of I/D/E/A/S.

During the past 2 to 3 years (2020-2023), Sri Lanka has been affected by one of the worst socioeconomic crises the country has ever seen. Studies conducted by the United Nations organizations and the World Bank have shown the grave situation of the population, especially where nearly 28% face food insecurity in varying degrees.