Jaishankar to Visit Sri Lanka as Modi’s Special Envoy

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is set to travel to Sri Lanka on Tuesday as a Special Envoy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to engage in discussions with the top leadership of the island nation. This visit highlights India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and is part of Operation Sagar Bandhu, which was initiated to address the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. Operation Sagar Bandhu was launched by India on November 28 to provide immediate Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) support to Sri Lanka as the First Responder following the devastating cyclone. Recently, India delivered relief supplies to various flood-affected regions in Sri Lanka, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to assisting its neighboring country during times of crisis. India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, visited areas severely impacted by the cyclone and distributed assistance kits to affected families and children. Additionally, an Indian Air Force aircraft delivered essential supplies to Sri Lanka and facilitated the return of the Indian Army Field Hospital team after completing its humanitarian mission. Efforts are underway to restore critical road connectivity in affected regions, with progress being made in clearing and preparing bridge sites for reconstruction. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a conversation with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on December 1, expressing condolences and reaffirming India’s support under ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’. President Dissanayake appreciated India’s swift assistance and conveyed gratitude for the effective response efforts. PM Modi assured continued support to Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu, emphasizing India’s solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka during this challenging period.