External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with leaders of the Indian origin Tamil community in Colombo during his visit to Sri Lanka. The leaders shared insights on the impact of Cyclone Ditwah and discussed India’s proposed reconstruction efforts. Jaishankar also interacted with Sri Lankan Tamil leaders, emphasizing India’s commitment to aiding in the reconstruction and rehabilitation post the cyclone.
In another meeting, Sri Lanka’s Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa, expressed gratitude to Jaishankar for India’s support following Cyclone Ditwah. The leaders discussed India’s reconstruction package during their interaction. Jaishankar also engaged with the Indian Business community in Sri Lanka, acknowledging their contributions during the cyclone relief efforts.
During discussions with Sri Lankan officials including Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and other ministers, Jaishankar reiterated India’s full support for Sri Lanka’s recovery post Cyclone Ditwah. He assured steadfast commitment to rebuilding efforts and discussed the implementation of the reconstruction package. Jaishankar also announced a USD 450 million reconstruction package for Sri Lanka, covering various sectors including infrastructure, housing, and healthcare.
In a symbolic gesture, Jaishankar met with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to convey Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s solidarity post Cyclone Ditwah. He inaugurated a 120-foot dual carriageway Bailey Bridge in the Kilinochchi District, an area severely affected by the cyclone. The bridge, airlifted from India, was installed as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu.
