Local actor and musician GK Reginold rides in a small craft through Colombo's suburbs, aiming to bring food and water to those in desperate need.
Some of the families, Mr Reginold says, have gone without help for days, isolated by the country's most severe weather disaster in memory.
Cyclone Ditwah lashed the country last week, causing widespread destruction that killed more than 400 people, left hundreds unaccounted for and destroyed 20,000 homes.
But the flooding has also sparked a surge in volunteerism, as citizens face what national leaders has described as the "gravest natural disaster" in its history.
"My primary motivation why I wanted to do this, is to at least ensure they get one meal," he shares. "And I was so happy that I was able to do that."
More than one million people have been affected by the disaster and a national emergency has been declared.
The armed forces has deployed helicopters for rescue operations, while humanitarian aid is flowing in from international partners and aid groups.
But it will be a lengthy process to rebuild for the nation, which has seen its share of turmoil in recent years.
Activists Pitch In at Local Food Hub
In Colombo's Wijerama neighbourhood, activists who demonstrated in 2022 are now helping run a makeshift kitchen that churns out meals.
The demonstrations from three years ago were driven by a severe economic downturn that caused shortages of fuel, food and medicine. Public anger erupted and led to a leadership shift. Now, that civic energy is being channelled toward cyclone relief.
"People came after work, some rotated shifts and some even used vacation time to be there," a social media activist states.
"We reactivated the group as soon as we heard what was happening last Thursday," he says.
The organizer also considers the kitchen as an "extension" of his community service in 2016, when torrential rain and floods affected hundreds across the country.
Volunteers have compiled hundreds of requests for help, shared them to authorities, and managed the delivery of food.
"Every request we made, we got an overwhelming amount in response from the community," he says.
Digital Initiatives for Aid
A wave of coordination is also happening online, where netizens have created a shared list to direct donations and helpers.
Another volunteer-backed website helps supporters find relief camps and see what is most needed in those areas.
Local businesses have launched donation drives, while local television channels have started an campaign to provide food and basic necessities like soap and toothbrushes.
Facing criticism over the management of preparations, the president has urged citizens to "put aside all political differences" and "come together to restore the nation".
Opposition politicians have accused authorities of disregarding forecasts, which they say exacerbated the disaster's impact.
Recently, opposition lawmakers protested in parliament, claiming that the ruling party was trying to restrict debate on the disaster.
In affected communities, however, there remains a feeling of unity as people begin the cleanup after the floods.
"In the end, the joy of helping someone else to save lives makes that tiredness fade," the organizer wrote after working long hours at relief sites.
"Disasters are not new to us. But, the empathy and capacity of our hearts is larger than the damage that occurs during a disaster."
