Colombo, December 13 — The Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT) has contributed LKR 100 million to Sri Lanka’s rebuilding efforts as the country recovers from Cyclone Ditwah. The contribution was handed over in a ceremony attended by Hon’ble Anura Karunathilake, Minister of Ports & Civil Aviation, and Deputy High Commissioner Dr. Satyanjal, the Indian Embassy said in a post on X. CWIT is a joint venture among Adani Ports, John Keells Group and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.
The donation is part of wider humanitarian and engineering assistance provided by India under Operation Sagar Bandhu. Indian forces and agencies have been supporting relief, reconstruction and medical efforts across affected areas. Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lankan Army, visited the Chilaw Bridge site and praised the work of Indian Army engineers collaborating with the Sri Lanka Road Development Authority. An Indian Army Engineer Task Force is also working with Sri Lankan engineers to de-launch and repair the damaged Kilinochchi Bridge in Jaffna.
A 48-member Engineer Task Force was rapidly airlifted to Sri Lanka to restore critical lines of communication. The team includes bridging specialists, surveyors, watermanship experts, heavy earth-moving equipment operators and personnel skilled in drones and unmanned systems. They arrived with four sets of Bailey bridges transported by Indian Air Force C-17s and equipment such as pneumatic boats, outboard motors, HESCO flood barriers, heavy-payload drones and remotely controlled boats to expedite repairs and restore connectivity.
Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, the Indian Army has also delivered extensive medical assistance, treating more than 5,000 patients. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Sri Lanka High Commissioner Mahishini Colonne to hand over part of a consignment of essential life-saving medicines, underscoring ongoing support. The assistance is aligned with India’s Neighbourhood First policy aimed at helping Sri Lanka recover and rebuild after the cyclone.
