Editor’s Note: The following statement was delivered by Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) from Gujarat State, during engagements in Sri Lanka. The remarks outline India’s immediate relief efforts, ongoing assistance, and long-term reconstruction support following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, and reaffirm India’s commitment to standing with Sri Lanka as a close neighbour and trusted partner during times of crisis.
As you are all aware, I am here as the Special Envoy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, carrying a message for President Anura Kumar Dissanayake. The President was kind enough to receive me this morning, and we had a detailed discussion on the damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah. The letter from Prime Minister Modi that I handed over builds on our role as First Responder and commits a reconstruction package of USD 450 million to Sri Lanka. Our discussions focused on how this commitment can be delivered as expeditiously and effectively as possible.
As Sri Lanka’s closest neighbour, and in line with our Neighbourhood First and MAHASAGAR policies, it was only natural that India step forward at a time when Sri Lanka faced a crisis. We have done so in the past, including when Sri Lanka was undergoing economic difficulties. In the case of Cyclone Ditwah, India has also been a strong advocate of cooperative disaster response. The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure is a notable initiative that we have led in this regard, reflecting our belief in collective preparedness and resilience.
India’s relief and assistance mission, Operation Sagar Bandhu, commenced on the very day Cyclone Ditwah made landfall. Our aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and the naval ship INS Udayagiri were present at Colombo and delivered relief material, following which helicopters were deployed for operational support. Subsequently, a number of Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force were active in Sri Lanka for more than two weeks. An 80-member contingent of the National Disaster Response Force arrived simultaneously and conducted extensive rescue and relief operations. The Indian Army also established a field hospital near Kandy with 85 medical personnel, providing emergency medical care to more than 8,000 people. In addition, two modular BHISHM emergency care units were airlifted to Sri Lanka and put to use.
Given the scale of the damage, restoring connectivity was clearly an immediate priority. This was discussed directly between His Excellency President Dissanayake and Prime Minister Modi during their telephone conversation. A large team of Indian Army engineers erected a Bailey bridge at Killinochchi, transported by C-17 aircraft, as was referred to earlier by Minister Herath. Another Bailey bridge at Chilaw is currently under construction. Overall, Operation Sagar Bandhu delivered more than 1,100 tons of relief material, including dry rations, tents, tarpaulins, hygiene kits, essential clothing, and water purification kits. Around 14.5 tons of medicines and medical equipment were also supplied, and an additional 60 tons of equipment was brought in to assist ongoing relief operations.
Recognizing the urgency of rebuilding, Prime Minister Modi has directed us to engage closely with the Government of Sri Lanka to address their reconstruction priorities. The assistance package proposed amounts to USD 450 million, comprising USD 350 million in concessional Lines of Credit and USD 100 million in grants. This package is being finalized through close consultations with the Sri Lankan authorities. Our support will focus on sectors worst affected by the cyclone, including the rehabilitation and restoration of road, railway, and bridge connectivity; construction of houses that were fully destroyed or partially damaged; restoration of health and education systems impacted by the cyclone; support to agriculture to address short- and medium-term shortages; and strengthening disaster response and preparedness mechanisms.
We are fully conscious that mitigating the impact of Cyclone Ditwah on the people of Sri Lanka must be undertaken in the shortest possible time. To this end, we are discussing the establishment of an effective coordination mechanism to ensure the earliest possible delivery of assistance.
Let me also add that there are additional ways in which India can and will continue to support Sri Lanka. Tourism is a significant pillar of your economy, and I wish to assure you, Minister, that we will continue to encourage tourism flows from India. Similarly, increased Foreign Direct Investment from India can provide a further boost to the Sri Lankan economy at this critical juncture. Our discussions will therefore also focus on promoting a deeper and more comprehensive cooperative relationship between our two countries.
Friends, we fully recognize that this is a very difficult period for Sri Lanka. Just as the country was recovering from the economic crisis of 2022, this natural disaster has created new challenges. However, we have witnessed in the past the resilience, resolve, and strength of the people of Sri Lanka in overcoming adversity. I can assure you that India stands firmly with Sri Lanka now more than ever before, and I am confident that Sri Lanka will once again demonstrate its great resilience in recovering from this hardship.
