Following the destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka, the Integrated Task Force of the Shatrujeet Brigade of the Indian Army yesterday (10) restored an essential communication infrastructure in one of the worst-affected areas near Kandy.
A major disruption had occurred in the Mahiyanganaya region, where the cyclone severely damaged the Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) network, triggering a widespread communication blackout. Responding to an urgent request from Sri Lanka Telecom PLC (SLT Mobitel), the Indian Army signallers swiftly moved into action. Despite difficult terrain and challenging weather, the team reached the affected stretch of the OFC route where a fallen tree had damaged the line near the BTS tower close to the Indian Army Field Hospital. Through precise OFC splicing and technical expertise, the team restored connectivity to both civil and operational networks. This operation reinstated the primary communications ring in Mahiyanganaya, ensuring rapid restoration of communication connectivity at this critical time.
Separately, Hon. Dr. Muditha Hansaka Wijemuni, Deputy Minister of Health, and Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, visited the Indian Army Field Hospital operating in Mahiyanganaya near Kandy. They reviewed the ongoing medical operations and appreciated the critical humanitarian assistance being provided to flood-affected families, including emergency care, medical outreach services, and life-saving support.
India stands ready to support Sri Lanka during this crisis with comprehensive and timely measures. Beyond humanitarian relief and medical care, this support also includes rapid, critical on-ground interventions that address urgent operational needs and ensure the continuity of vital public services. These efforts strengthen crisis response and underscore India’s unwavering commitment to stand firmly with the people of Sri Lanka.
