India Commits USD 450 Mn Relief Package For Sri Lanka, Says EAM Jaishankar

COLOMBO (News 1st); Colombo witnessed a powerful gesture of solidarity on Tuesday (23) as India reaffirmed its role as Sri Lanka’s closest neighbor in times of crisis.

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, visiting as the special envoy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to convey India’s unwavering support following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

In a detailed briefing after the meeting, Dr. Jaishankar revealed that Prime Minister Modi has committed a $450 million reconstruction package to help Sri Lanka rebuild.

The assistance will include $350 million in concessional lines of credit and $100 million in grants, targeting critical sectors such as road and rail connectivity, housing, healthcare, education, agriculture, and disaster preparedness.

“As your closest neighbor, and in line with our Neighborhood First and Maha Sagar policies, it was only natural that India stepped forward at a time when Sri Lanka faced a crisis,” Jaishankar said, emphasizing India’s long-standing commitment to cooperative disaster response.

Operation Sagar Bandhu: India’s Swift Action

India’s relief mission, Operation Sagar Bandhu, swung into action the very day Cyclone Ditwah made landfall.

The Indian Navy deployed INS Vikrant and INS Udayaghiri to Colombo with relief supplies, followed by helicopters and an 80-member National Disaster Response Force contingent.

The Indian Army established a field hospital near Kandy, treating over 8,000 patients, and airlifted modular emergency care units to bolster medical response.

To restore connectivity, Indian engineers erected a bailey bridge in Killinochchi, with another under construction in Chilaw. In total, the operation delivered 1,100 metric tons of relief material, including dry rations, tents, hygiene kits, and water purification systems, alongside 14.5 MT of medicines and 60 MT of equipment.

The reconstruction package will prioritize:

Road, rail, and bridge rehabilitation

Housing for fully and partially damaged homes

Restoration of health and education infrastructure

Agricultural support to prevent shortages

Enhanced disaster preparedness

Jaishankar also highlighted India’s plans to boost tourism traffic and foreign direct investment, offering Sri Lanka a much-needed economic lifeline as it recovers from both the 2022 economic crisis and this latest natural disaster.

“India stands firmly with Sri Lanka more than ever before,” Jaishankar assured. “We have seen the resilience of the Sri Lankan people, and we are confident they will overcome this adversity.”