PTI
Colombo, Updated At : 04:00 AM Dec 07, 2025 IST
The Indian High Commissioner met Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath on Saturday to discuss cooperation in reconstruction and rehabilitation after Cyclone Ditwah, which devastated parts of the island nation. INS Gharial was being readied in Chennai with relief material ahead of departure.
Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said at least 618 people had died and 209 were missing as of Saturday evening at 8 pm from floods and landslides triggered by extreme weather since November 16.
India was the first country to respond to Sri Lanka’s international appeal under Operation Sagar Bandhu. High Commissioner Santosh Jha met Herath and discussed “ongoing Indian assistance to Sri Lanka under #OperationSagarBandhu” and “avenues of cooperation during the reconstruction and rehabilitation phases in the aftermath of #CycloneDitwah,” the Indian mission posted on social media.
Jha also briefed Sri Lankan corporate leaders on New Delhi’s response and commitment to help the cyclone-hit nation recover, outlining the “way ahead for rehabilitation and recovery.”
Earlier on Saturday, the DMC had reported 611 deaths by noon. The disaster left several districts isolated and severely strained the country’s disaster-response capacity.
Since Operation Sagar Bandhu launched on November 28, India has delivered more than 58 tonnes of relief material, including dry rations, tents, tarpaulins, hygiene kits, water-purification kits and around 4.5 tonnes of medicines and surgical equipment. Another 50 tonnes of equipment — generators, inflatable rescue boats and outboard motors — have been provided. India also airlifted about 130 tonnes of Bailey bridge units along with 31 engineers to restore critical connectivity.
The Indian Engineer Corps is conducting surveys and reconnaissance for constructing Bailey bridges on key routes to re-establish access in flood-hit areas.
On Saturday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin dispatched a ship carrying 950 tonnes of essential goods, including 300 tonnes of rice, along with clothes and food to be distributed to those affected after a request from the Sri Lankan Deputy High Commission in Chennai.
“India was the first country to respond. India sent helicopters and rescue teams. They sent food and medicine very quickly,” Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said.
