The Indian Army continues its humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in Sri Lanka, undertaking critical restoration work in areas severely affected by Cyclone Ditwah. As part of Operation Sagar Bandhu, the Army’s Engineer Task Force is working to restore the B-492 road, a vital link connecting Kandy in Sri Lanka’s Central Province with Badulla in the Uva Province.
The cyclone caused extensive damage to infrastructure, cutting off communities and disrupting daily life across the region. To address this, Indian Army engineers have swiftly constructed Bailey bridges at key locations, including kilometre markers 15 and 21, enabling the reconnection of isolated areas, reducing travel time, and restoring essential mobility for residents.
A video shared by the Indian Army on social media captured heartfelt gratitude from local residents. A schoolgirl thanked the Indian personnel for travelling from India to assist Sri Lanka, noting that the damaged bridge had left people with no means to cross and resume normal activities. Her message reflected the broader appreciation of communities benefiting from the restoration efforts.
India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu in November last year as the first responder following the devastating impact of Cyclone Ditwah. The cyclone triggered widespread flooding, landslides, and large-scale infrastructure damage, overwhelming Sri Lanka’s disaster response systems and creating an urgent need for international assistance.
Indian Navy ships INS Vikrant and INS Udayagiri were among the first foreign vessels to respond. The warships, already present in Sri Lankan waters for the International Fleet Review marking the Sri Lankan Navy’s 75th anniversary, were rapidly redeployed for humanitarian operations after the cyclone made landfall on November 27.
Beyond infrastructure restoration, the Indian Army established a field hospital in Mahiyanganaya near the Kandy district to address urgent medical needs. The facility provided trauma care, surgical procedures, and general medical treatment, serving approximately 1,000 to 1,200 patients daily.
Through sustained humanitarian action, infrastructure rebuilding, and medical support, Operation Sagar Bandhu underscores India’s commitment to regional solidarity and its enduring partnership with Sri Lanka in times of crisis.
