Indian External Affairs Minister Visits Sri Lanka to Support Cyclone Relief Efforts

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital, on Monday. He was welcomed by Sri Lankan Deputy Tourism Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe at the airport. Jaishankar expressed gratitude for the warm reception and anticipated meetings with Sri Lankan leadership the following day. The visit, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), aligns with India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and coincides with Operation Sagar Bandhu, aimed at addressing the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. Operation Sagar Bandhu was initiated by India on November 28 to provide urgent Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) support to Sri Lanka in the wake of the cyclone. India recently delivered relief supplies to flood-affected areas in Sri Lanka as part of its commitment to assisting the neighboring nation during crises. High Commissioner Santosh Jha also distributed assistance kits to affected families and children in various regions. Additionally, an Indian Air Force aircraft transported essential supplies and facilitated the return of a medical team that had completed its mission in Sri Lanka. Efforts to restore road connectivity in affected areas are progressing, with preparations for the installation of a Bailey Bridge at damaged bridge sites. Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured continued support to Sri Lanka during a telephone conversation with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, expressing solidarity and condolences for the loss and devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. President Dissanayake appreciated India’s swift response and effective assistance in the aftermath of the disaster.