How Operation Sagar Bandhu is Transforming Sri Lanka Post-Cyclone Ditwah
Indian Army's Lifeline in Sri Lanka
Colombo: The Indian Army's Engineer Task Force is diligently working on the restoration of B-492, a crucial road that connects Kandy in the Central Province to Badulla in Sri Lanka's Uva Province, which suffered significant damage from Cyclone Ditwah.
In a heartfelt video shared by the Indian Army on X, a local schoolgirl expressed her gratitude, stating, "We are truly thankful for the help you have provided, especially coming all the way from India. The damaged bridge left us stranded, and we appreciate your efforts in restoring our access. Thank you for your assistance!"
#OperationSagarBandhu #CycloneDitwah
#HADRThe Indian Army’s Engineer Task Force is relentlessly restoring critical road connectivity on the vital B-492, linking Kandy in the Central Province with Badulla in the Uva Province of Sri Lanka, which was severely affected by… pic.twitter.com/3uYJXhoQ9X
— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) January 7, 2026
The army further elaborated on X, stating, "The Engineer Task Force is tirelessly working to restore vital road connectivity on B-492, which links Kandy and Badulla, both of which were heavily impacted by Cyclone Ditwah."
"By swiftly constructing Bailey bridges at KM 15 and KM 21, we have reconnected communities, reduced travel times, and strengthened our ties with the people of Sri Lanka," they added.
Operation Sagar Bandhu was initiated by India in November last year as a First Responder following the catastrophic effects of Cyclone Ditwah, aimed at providing urgent Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) to Sri Lanka.
The cyclone caused extensive flooding, landslides, and significant infrastructure damage throughout Sri Lanka, straining the country's disaster response capabilities.
Indian Navy vessels INS Vikrant and INS Udayagiri were among the first foreign ships to arrive for assistance. Both ships were already in Sri Lankan waters for the International Fleet Review 2025, celebrating the Sri Lankan Navy's 75th anniversary when the cyclone hit.
After the cyclone made landfall on November 27, the ships were quickly redeployed for humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts.
Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, the Indian Army has intensified its efforts to restore essential connectivity in Sri Lanka following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
Additionally, the Indian Army set up a field hospital in Mahiyanganaya, close to the Kandy district, addressing urgent medical needs in the area. The deployment provided critical life-saving care, including trauma management, surgeries, and general medical treatment, serving approximately 1,000 to 1,200 patients daily.