India Extends Support to Sri Lanka Post-Cyclone Ditwah: A $450 Million Commitment
Strengthening Ties Amidst Crisis
In Colombo, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Tuesday, delivering Prime Minister Narendra Modi's heartfelt wishes and a message of solidarity following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
During their meeting, the leaders inaugurated a 120-foot dual carriageway Bailey Bridge in the Kilinochchi District, an area heavily impacted by the cyclone. This 110-tonne bridge was airlifted from India as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu.
Jaishankar also unveiled a substantial reconstruction package amounting to $450 million for Sri Lanka. This initiative aims to rehabilitate and restore road, railway, and bridge connectivity, rebuild homes that were completely destroyed or partially damaged, and provide support for health and education sectors.
Expressing his sentiments on social media, Jaishankar stated, "I was pleased to meet President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo today. I conveyed Prime Minister Modi's warm wishes and our solidarity in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah."
He further elaborated on the reconstruction package, which includes efforts to restore infrastructure, support agriculture, and enhance disaster preparedness.
Jaishankar emphasized India's unwavering support for Sri Lanka, rooted in their historical ties and the principles of the Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR.
Upon his arrival in Colombo on Monday, Jaishankar received a warm welcome from Sri Lankan Deputy Tourism Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe.
This visit highlights India's commitment to its Neighbourhood First Policy and aligns with Operation Sagar Bandhu, initiated to provide urgent humanitarian assistance following Cyclone Ditwah, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs.
Operation Sagar Bandhu commenced on November 28, positioning India as the first responder to deliver humanitarian aid and disaster relief to Sri Lanka.
Recently, India dispatched relief supplies to various flood-affected regions in Sri Lanka, reaffirming its dedication to supporting its neighbor during crises.
On December 18, India's High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, visited the Kolonnawa suburb and the Bhaktivedanta Children’s Home 'Gokulam' in Wattala, both severely impacted by the cyclone's aftermath.
As part of ongoing assistance, High Commissioner Jha distributed aid kits to families in Kolonnawa and to children at 'Gokulam' at the ISKCON Temple in Colombo, where they have been relocated.
Earlier, on December 14, an Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft delivered 10 tonnes of medicines and 15 tonnes of dry rations to Sri Lanka, while also facilitating the return of the Indian Army Field Hospital team after their successful humanitarian mission.
The High Commission of India in Sri Lanka reported that efforts to restore critical road connectivity are progressing well, with preparatory work underway at bridge sites in Chilaw and Kilinochchi, ensuring smoother movement and improved access in the region.