India Extends Support to Sri Lanka Post-Cyclone Ditwah: A $450 Million Commitment

Strengthening Ties: India’s Support for Sri Lanka

Colombo: India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with several Sri Lankan officials, including Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, on Tuesday. The discussions focused on India's unwavering support for Sri Lanka's recovery efforts following Cyclone Ditwah.

Jaishankar expressed his pleasure in meeting the Sri Lankan officials, stating on social media, "I was delighted to meet with Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and others today." He emphasized India's commitment to aiding Sri Lanka's rebuilding process and discussed the implementation of the reconstruction package and additional relief measures.

Earlier, Jaishankar also met with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, reaffirming India's dedication to assisting in the nation's recovery from the cyclone's impact.

In a post on social media, he noted, "It was good to meet Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya today in Colombo. I assured her of India's steadfast commitment to Sri Lanka's rebuilding efforts following Cyclone Ditwah. The reconstruction package we are offering reflects the strong ties between our two countries."

Jaishankar also visited Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, delivering Prime Minister Narendra Modi's message of solidarity in the wake of the cyclone.

During the discussions, Jaishankar announced a substantial reconstruction package of $450 million aimed at rehabilitating and restoring infrastructure, including roads, railways, and bridges, as well as rebuilding homes that were completely destroyed or partially damaged. The package also includes support for health and education sectors.

He stated, "I was pleased to meet President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today in Colombo and conveyed Prime Minister Modi's warm wishes and message of solidarity following Cyclone Ditwah."

Jaishankar elaborated on the reconstruction package, which will cover various areas, including the restoration of connectivity, housing construction, and support for agriculture to mitigate potential shortages.

In a significant development, Jaishankar and Foreign Minister Herath inaugurated a 120-foot dual carriageway Bailey Bridge in the Kilinochchi District, a region heavily impacted by the cyclone. The bridge, weighing 110 tonnes, was airlifted from India as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu.

Jaishankar's visit to Sri Lanka, which began with a warm reception from Deputy Tourism Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe, highlights India's Neighbourhood First Policy and is part of Operation Sagar Bandhu, initiated to provide immediate humanitarian assistance and disaster relief following Cyclone Ditwah.

Operation Sagar Bandhu was launched on November 28, positioning India as the first responder to the urgent needs arising from the cyclone's devastation.