New Delhi [India], December 8 (ANI): India has expanded humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka after the recent cyclone, deploying four additional naval vessels to deliver relief under Operation Sagar Bandhu, the Indian Navy said on Monday.
INS Gharial, LCU 54, LCU 51 and LCU 57 have been assigned to transport humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) stores to affected areas. LCU 54, LCU 51 and LCU 57 reached Colombo on the morning of December 7 and handed over critical supplies to local authorities. INS Gharial is expected to arrive in Trincomalee on December 8 to continue relief operations.
The deployment follows earlier missions by INS Vikrant, INS Udaygiri and INS Sukanya, which carried out relief deliveries and helicopter-borne search-and-rescue operations. With about 1,000 tonnes of relief supplies onboard, the mission underscores strong people-to-people ties between India and Sri Lanka and reflects the Indian Navy’s commitment to timely humanitarian support for Indian Ocean neighbours.
Officials said the initiative aligns with the Government of India’s ‘Mahasagar’ vision to strengthen regional cooperation and ensure rapid assistance during crises, as Sri Lanka continues recovering from the cyclone’s impact.
Sri Lankan MP Namal Rajapaksa met Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and expressed gratitude for India’s ongoing relief and rescue assistance under Operation Sagar Bandhu. The High Commissioner reiterated India’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s rebuilding and recovery efforts. In a post on X, the Indian High Commission in Colombo noted the MP’s thanks and the HC’s assurance of continued support.
Indian Army engineers have begun joint work with Sri Lanka Army engineers to restore connectivity for affected communities, including removing a damaged bridge on the Paranthan-Karachchi-Mullaitivu (A35) road in Kilinochchi, the High Commission said on X.
About 1,000 tonnes of essential food items and clothing, contributed by the people of Tamil Nadu, were sent to cyclone-hit Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu. Around 300 tonnes reached Colombo aboard three Indian naval ships on Sunday morning. High Commissioner Santosh Jha handed over the relief materials to Wasantha Samarasinghe, Sri Lanka’s Minister for Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development. (ANI)
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