Following the effects of Cyclone Ditwah, the Indian government has developed a USD 450 million reconstruction and recovery package for Sri Lanka. This action demonstrates the Indian government’s solidarity and support for the countries in the area. This was declared by the Indian minister of external affairs while in Sri Lanka. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s special envoy is Dr. Jaishankar. Dr. Jaishankar met with Anura Dissanayake, the president of Sri Lanka, and expressed the good wishes of the Indian prime minister to the Sri Lankan people.
Dr. Jaishankar gave the administration the assurance that India would support Sri Lanka’s rehabilitation efforts in the wake of the devastation caused by the hurricane that struck the nation in late November and affected all 25 districts. A grant of USD 100 million and a concessionary loan of USD 350 million are part of the reconstruction package. The rehabilitation and reconstruction of vital infrastructure, such as roads, railroads, and bridges, will be the main focus of the reconstruction assistance. It will also help with the construction of dwelling units that were completely or partially damaged, including special support for the health and education sectors, whose buildings sustained significant damage during the cyclone.
India has strengthened its support to Sri Lanka by focusing on agriculture to prevent food shortages and enhancing disaster response preparedness. Under the Government of India’s first responder initiative, Operation Sagar Bandhu, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar inaugurated a 120-foot, 110-ton Bailey Bridge in Kilinochchi district, one of the areas worst affected by Cyclone Ditwah. The bridge was airlifted and installed to restore connectivity and aid recovery efforts.
Dr. Jaishankar also met Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, reaffirming India’s commitment to Sri Lanka’s recovery through a reconstruction assistance package. He highlighted that the support reflects India’s Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR. Cyclone Ditwah caused damages worth USD 4.1 billion and affected nearly two million people. Sri Lankan leaders acknowledged India’s timely assistance as a strong example of neighbourhood solidarity and friendship.
