Colombo, Dec 7, 2025 — India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, met Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath to discuss coordinated support for reconstruction and rehabilitation after Cyclone Ditwah battered parts of the island nation. The Indian mission said relief ship INS Gharial was being readied in Chennai with supplies for departure.
Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre reported at least 618 deaths and 209 people missing from floods and landslides caused by extreme weather since November 16. Several districts remain cut off, putting severe strain on the country’s disaster-response capacity.
India was the first country to respond to Sri Lanka’s international appeal under Operation Sagar Bandhu, launched on November 28. The Indian mission said Jha and Herath reviewed “ongoing Indian assistance” under the operation and explored “avenues of cooperation during the reconstruction and rehabilitation phases” following Cyclone Ditwah. Jha also briefed Sri Lankan corporate leaders on New Delhi’s response and the plan for recovery and rebuilding.
Since the operation began, India has delivered more than 58 tonnes of relief material — including dry rations, tents, tarpaulins, hygiene and water-purification kits — and roughly 4.5 tonnes of medicines and surgical supplies. In addition, about 50 tonnes of equipment such as generators, inflatable rescue boats and outboard motors have been supplied. India airlifted around 130 tonnes of Bailey bridge components and sent 31 engineers to help restore critical road links.
The Indian Engineer Corps is conducting surveys and reconnaissance to determine locations for Bailey bridge construction on key routes to re-establish access to flood-hit areas.
Separately, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin dispatched a ship from Chennai carrying 950 tonnes of essential goods, including 300 tonnes of rice, as well as clothing and other relief items 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, acknowledging New Delhi’s rapid assistance as Sri Lanka moves from emergency relief toward recovery and rebuilding.
