India Steps Up with $450 Million Aid for Sri Lanka After Cyclone Ditwah

India's Generous Support for Sri Lanka's Recovery

Colombo: On Tuesday, India unveiled a substantial reconstruction aid package worth USD 450 million for Sri Lanka, which has been severely impacted by Cyclone Ditwah. This announcement came during External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's meeting with key leaders in Sri Lanka, where he reaffirmed India's unwavering support for the nation's recovery efforts.

Jaishankar, who is serving as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Special Envoy, emphasized the importance of India stepping in during Sri Lanka's time of need.

During his discussions with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Jaishankar conveyed PM Modi's heartfelt wishes and solidarity following the cyclone's devastation.

"The letter from Prime Minister Modi that I delivered reinforces our role as first responders and outlines a reconstruction package of USD 450 million for Sri Lanka," Jaishankar stated while addressing the media alongside Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath.

He elaborated on the extensive discussions held with the President regarding the cyclone's impact and the urgency of delivering India's assistance package.

"Our proposed assistance package totals USD 450 million, which includes USD 350 million in concessional lines of credit and USD 100 million in grants," he explained.

This aid will target the sectors most affected by the cyclone, focusing on restoring road, railway, and bridge connectivity, aiding in the construction of damaged homes, and supporting health, education, and agricultural systems, as well as enhancing disaster preparedness.

"We recognize the need to act swiftly to alleviate the impact of Cyclone Ditwah on the Sri Lankan populace. We are working on an effective coordination mechanism for prompt delivery," he added.

Jaishankar and Foreign Minister Herath jointly inaugurated a 120-foot dual carriageway Bailey Bridge in the Kilinochchi District, one of the hardest-hit areas, in the presence of President Dissanayake. This 110-ton bridge was airlifted from India as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu.

Given the extensive damage, restoring connectivity was deemed a top priority, a topic discussed between President Dissanayake and PM Modi during their recent phone call, Jaishankar noted.

He mentioned that a significant number of Army Engineers were involved in erecting the Bailey bridge, which was transported by C-17 aircraft to Kilinochchi. Another Bailey bridge is currently under construction in Chilaw.

India's relief mission, dubbed Operation Sagar Bandhu, began on the day Cyclone Ditwah struck land.

"Operation Sagar Bandhu has delivered over 1,100 tonnes of relief supplies, including dry rations, tents, hygiene kits, essential clothing, and water purification kits. Additionally, around 14.5 tonnes of medical supplies were provided, along with another 60 tonnes of equipment to support relief efforts," he stated.

In a post on social media, President Dissanayake expressed Sri Lanka's profound gratitude to PM Modi and the Indian government for their "swift and compassionate support" following the cyclone, describing the aid package as a "new chapter" in India-Sri Lanka relations.

Jaishankar also met with Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, reiterating India's commitment to assisting Sri Lanka's recovery. "The reconstruction package reflects the deep ties between our nations," he remarked.

He further engaged with Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, Labour and Deputy Finance Minister Anil Jayantha, and Deputy Tourism Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe to discuss the implementation of the reconstruction package and additional relief measures, reaffirming India's full support for Sri Lanka's recovery.

Jaishankar also interacted with the Indian business community in Sri Lanka, commending their contributions to relief efforts during Cyclone Ditwah.

He met with Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, discussing the proposed reconstruction package.

"In challenging times, true neighbors step up. Thank you @DrSJaishankar for India's support to Sri Lanka when it was most needed. May we always choose to stand together as the best of neighbors," Premadasa remarked.

During his two-day visit, Jaishankar noted, "As Sri Lanka was beginning to recover from the economic crisis of 2022, this natural disaster has introduced new challenges."

He reiterated that India's relief mission commenced on the very day Cyclone Ditwah made landfall.

The aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and another vessel, INS Udayagiri, were instrumental in delivering relief supplies. Several Mi-17 helicopters from the Indian Air Force operated in Sri Lanka for over two weeks.

An 80-member National Disaster Response Force team arrived simultaneously to conduct rescue and relief operations. The Indian Army established a field hospital near Kandy, providing emergency care to more than 8,000 individuals. Two modular BHISHM emergency care units were also airlifted to Sri Lanka for use.

Regarding further assistance, Jaishankar mentioned that India would promote tourism to Sri Lanka, recognizing its significance as a tourism-driven economy.

"Additionally, increasing Foreign Direct Investment from India could significantly benefit your economy during this critical period. Our discussions will focus on fostering a deeper cooperative relationship between our two nations," he stated.

Acknowledging the difficult times Sri Lanka is facing, Jaishankar assured that India stands firmly with the island nation now more than ever.

"We have witnessed the strong resolve and resilience of the Sri Lankan people in overcoming challenges and moving forward," he said, expressing confidence that Sri Lankans would once again demonstrate their ability to recover from adversity.

Foreign Minister Herath commended Jaishankar's visit as the PM's Special Envoy, emphasizing that it highlights India's unwavering solidarity with Sri Lanka in the wake of the adverse weather conditions caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

Herath noted that Sri Lanka and India share a long-standing, multi-faceted relationship grounded in geographical proximity, rich historical and cultural connections, shared values, and expanding economic ties.

"We greatly appreciate India's ongoing support in stabilizing the Sri Lankan economy through various forms of assistance, including emergency financing and foreign exchange support, as well as USD 20.66 million provided to settle payments for projects completed under existing lines of credit.

"We also sincerely value India's crucial role in Sri Lanka's debt restructuring process, including its position as co-chair of the Official Creditors Committee, which facilitated the timely conclusion of discussions," he concluded.