Jaishankar meets Sri Lankan leadership, announces $450 million reconstruction package after Cyclone Ditwah
New Delhi, Dec 23: External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar on Tuesday met Sri Lanka’s top leadership as Special Envoy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and announced a USD 450 million Indian reconstruction package to support the island nation’s recovery from the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. Calling on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Jaishankar said he conveyed the Prime Minister’s message of solidarity and outlined India’s expanded assistance. “Pleased to call on H.E. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo today. Conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s warm wishes and message of solidarity in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah,” he said in a post on X.
“Building on our First Responder activity under #OperationSagarBandhu, India will commit to a reconstruction package of USD 450 million to Sri Lanka,” he added, listing support for connectivity restoration, housing, health and education, agriculture, and disaster preparedness.
Jaishankar also met Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, assuring New Delhi’s continued support. “Good to meet Prime Minister Dr. Harini A of Sri Lanka in Colombo today. Assured India’s steadfast commitment to Sri Lanka’s rebuilding post Cyclone Ditwah. The reconstruction package offered is a reflection of the deep bonding between our two nations,” he said.
During talks with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, along with ministers handling health, labour, finance and tourism, Jaishankar reiterated India’s backing for recovery efforts. “Reiterated India’s full support to Sri Lanka’s recovery and rebuilding in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. Discussed the implementation of the reconstruction package offered and further relief measures,” he said.
In a key symbolic gesture, Jaishankar and Foreign Minister Herath jointly inaugurated a 120-foot dual carriageway Bailey Bridge in Kilinochchi district, one of the worst-hit areas. “Jointly inaugurated… a 120-foot dual carriageway Bailey Bridge in the Kilinochchi District… The 110-tonnes bridge was airlifted from India and installed as part of #OperationSagarBandhu,” he said.
Addressing the media after his meeting with Foreign Minister Herath, Jaishankar said, “I am here as Special Envoy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and carrying a message for President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka. The President was kind enough to receive me this morning and we had a detailed discussion on the damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah.” He added that the Prime Minister’s letter “commits a reconstruction package of USD 450 million to Sri Lanka” and discussions focused on “how expeditiously this commitment can be delivered.”
Detailing India’s relief efforts, Jaishankar said Operation Sagar Bandhu began on the day the cyclone made landfall. “Our Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant and INS Udayagiri delivered relief material, helicopters were deployed, Mi-17 helicopters operated for more than two weeks, and an 80-member NDRF contingent conducted rescue operations,” he said, adding that an Indian Army field hospital treated over 8,000 people. Jaishankar said the proposed assistance package includes USD 350 million in concessional lines of credit and USD 100 million in grants, covering roads, railways, housing, health, education, agriculture and disaster preparedness. “India stands firmly with Sri Lanka more than ever before,” Jaishankar said, noting that New Delhi would also encourage tourism and investment to help Colombo’s economic recovery. During the visit, Jaishankar met Sri Lanka’s Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa and leaders of the Indian Origin Tamil and Sri Lankan Tamil communities. “Discussed India’s proposed reconstruction package in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah,” he said, adding that community leaders shared assessments of the damage on the ground. Jaishankar’s visit highlights India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and its role as a first responder in the Indian Ocean region. Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, India has provided extensive humanitarian assistance, deploying naval and air assets, disaster response teams, and relief material to support Sri Lanka’s relief and recovery efforts following Cyclone Ditwah.
