Desk. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said that India stands with Sri Lanka during Cyclone Ditawaha and has proposed a relief package of US $450 million. Jaishankar is currently in Sri Lanka as the special envoy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said this in a conversation with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath. He also handed over a letter from Modi to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. “India is proud to stand with Sri Lanka during Cyclone Ditvaah,” S Jaishankar posted on Twitter.
He is on a two-day visit to Sri Lanka. During this, he said, “Just as Sri Lanka was recovering from the economic crisis of 2022, this natural disaster has created new difficulties. Prime Minister Modi directed that we now work with the Sri Lankan government on its priorities. In this regard, we have proposed an assistance package of US $ 450 million.”
“This package will include a concessional credit line of US$350 million and a grant of US$100 million,” he said. “This package is being finalized in collaboration with the Government of Sri Lanka. Our assistance will cover the areas most affected by the cyclone, including, firstly, rehabilitation and restoration of road, railway and bridge connectivity.”
“Second, assistance for reconstruction of completely destroyed and partially damaged houses. Third, assistance for health and education systems, especially those damaged by cyclones. Fourth, agriculture, including addressing potential shortages in the short and medium term. And fifth, working towards better disaster response and preparedness.”
Jaishankar said that considering the scale of the damage, it was natural that India came forward to help Sri Lanka. He said that India’s operation Sagar Bandhu had started on the very first day of Ditwah. “Our aircraft carriers INS Vikrant and INS Udayagiri were present in Colombo and dropped relief material, following which helicopters were deployed,” he said.
Operation Sagar Bandhu delivered over 1,100 tonnes of relief material, including dry rations, tents, tarpaulins, hygiene kits, essential clothing and water purification kits. About 14.5 tonnes of medicines and medical equipment were also provided, while 60 tonnes of equipment was brought to Sri Lanka to assist in relief efforts. A large number of army engineers constructed a bailey bridge flown by C-17 aircraft at Kilinochchi.
