External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya in Colombo on Tuesday and reaffirmed India’s steadfast commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s rebuilding efforts in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah.
Sharing details of the meeting on X, Jaishankar said he assured Prime Minister Amarasuriya of India’s continued support for reconstruction and recovery, adding that the reconstruction package offered by India reflects the deep and enduring bonds between the two neighbouring nations.
Earlier in the day, the External Affairs Minister also called on Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s warm wishes and message of solidarity following the devastation caused by the cyclone.
As part of India’s assistance, Jaishankar announced a reconstruction package worth USD 450 million, aimed at rehabilitation and restoration across critical sectors. The package includes rebuilding road, railway and bridge connectivity, construction of houses that were fully destroyed or partially damaged, and support for health and education infrastructure affected by the cyclone. Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath was present during the discussions.
Posting on X, Jaishankar said India’s commitment builds on its role as a First Responder under Operation Sagar Bandhu, launched to provide immediate humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to Sri Lanka.
The reconstruction package will also extend support to agriculture to address possible short- and medium-term shortages, while strengthening disaster response and preparedness mechanisms in the country.
During the visit, Jaishankar jointly inaugurated a 120-foot dual carriageway Bailey Bridge in Sri Lanka’s Kilinochchi District of the Northern Province, one of the regions severely impacted by Cyclone Ditwah. The bridge, weighing 110 tonnes, was airlifted from India and installed as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu in the presence of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath.
The External Affairs Minister arrived in Colombo on Monday and was received by Sri Lankan Deputy Tourism Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe. His visit underscores India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and its commitment to standing by regional partners during times of crisis.
India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu on November 28 to deliver urgent humanitarian assistance and disaster relief support to Sri Lanka in the immediate aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah.
