India has reaffirmed its strong commitment to stand with Sri Lanka in its hour of need, as External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar appeared alongside Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath at a joint press briefing in Colombo, highlighting extensive relief, recovery, and reconstruction assistance following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwa.
Welcoming Dr. Jaishankar, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath described the visit as timely, particularly with the launch of Operation Sagar Bandhu, symbolizing India’s enduring friendship with Sri Lanka. He conveyed the gratitude of the President and the Government of Sri Lanka to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India for their unwavering support, amounting to assistance worth millions of US dollars.
Minister Herath underlined that India–Sri Lanka relations are rooted in long-standing historical, economic, and people-to-people ties, noting that bilateral relations extend deeply and have translated into stable and consistent assistance in times of crisis. He said Dr. Jaishankar met the President earlier in the day and handed over a letter from Prime Minister Modi, during which views were exchanged on further help and support for Sri Lanka’s recovery.
Detailing the assistance already extended, the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister said India had provided 10,000 metric tonnes of essential supplies, deployed a mobile hospital in Mahiyanganaya, and delivered critical medical support. He also noted that, at the request of the President to Prime Minister Modi, India supplied 128 tonnes of bridge materials. One Bailey bridge was virtually inaugurated in Mullaitivu by himself and Dr. Jaishankar, while another bridge is under construction in Puttalam to restore vital connectivity.
Dr. Jaishankar, addressing the media, said he was carrying a message from Prime Minister Modi to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and thanked the President for receiving him earlier in the day. Referring to the ongoing Ditwa restoration efforts, he announced that Prime Minister Modi has assured an additional USD 450 million in commitments from India to support Sri Lanka’s recovery.
Recalling India’s support during previous challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Jaishankar said India commenced assistance for Cyclone Ditwa immediately by air and sea. Indian aircraft operated in Sri Lanka for nearly two weeks, while an Indian Army field hospital provided services to over 8,000 affected families.
He stressed that restoring connectivity was a top priority given the scale of the damage, noting that the Indian Army had erected Bailey bridges, with one commissioned on the day and another nearing completion. India has also provided 14.5 tonnes of medical aid, along with concessional assistance packages of USD 350 million and USD 150 million.
Dr. Jaishankar further announced that additional assistance would be delivered later in the day, details of which would be announced subsequently. He also confirmed India’s continued support to revive Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, stating that Indian tourists would continue to visit the island to aid its economic recovery.
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Jaishankar assured that India remains conscious of the need for swift restoration and pledged that India would stand with Sri Lanka “more than ever before” as the country rebuilds and recovers.
