External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya in Colombo, affirming India’s unwavering support for Sri Lanka’s recovery efforts after Cyclone Ditwah. Jaishankar assured that the reconstruction package offered by India reflects the strong bond between the two nations.
During the visit, Jaishankar also met with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to convey Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s solidarity following the cyclone. A reconstruction package of USD 450 million was announced, covering various aspects like rehabilitation of infrastructure, housing construction, and support for health and education sectors.
The package includes funding for road, railway, and bridge restoration, housing reconstruction, and assistance for sectors impacted by the cyclone. Additionally, it addresses agriculture needs, disaster response improvements, and better preparedness measures. The meeting was attended by Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath.
In a joint effort with Herath, Jaishankar inaugurated a 120-foot dual carriageway Bailey Bridge in the Kilinochchi District of Northern Province, an area severely affected by Cyclone Ditwah. The bridge, airlifted from India, was installed as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu to aid in the recovery process.
The visit of the External Affairs Minister to Sri Lanka aligns with India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and the ongoing Operation Sagar Bandhu, aimed at assisting Sri Lanka in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. Operation Sagar Bandhu was initiated on November 28 to provide immediate Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief support to the country.
