Colombo, December 14: The Indian Army has stepped up efforts to restore connectivity in Sri Lanka, with its Engineer Task Force coordinating with the Sri Lankan Army and the Sri Lankan Road Development Authority. Preparatory works have begun at the Chilaw and Kilinochchi bridge sites in Jaffna for the installation of Bailey bridges.
The damaged Kilinochchi bridge has been completely de-launched, and preparations are underway to launch a Bailey bridge to restore road access. The Indian Army continues to assist rescue and relief operations in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah.
Sri Lankan Army Commander Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo visited the Chilaw site and commended the challenging work being carried out in difficult weather by Indian Army engineers alongside the Sri Lankan Road Development Authority.
An Engineer Task Force of 48 Indian Army personnel was airlifted and inducted urgently to provide critical engineering support focused on restoring vital lines of communication, including repairing and constructing damaged roads and bridges. The team includes specialised bridging experts, surveyors, watermanship specialists, operators of heavy earth-moving equipment, and personnel skilled with drones and unmanned systems to deliver precise engineering support.
The task force is holding four Bailey bridge sets airlifted by Indian Air Force C-17s for reconnecting disrupted routes. It is also equipped with pneumatic boats, outboard motors, HESCO bags, heavy-payload drones and remotely controlled boats.
Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, the Indian Army has provided extensive medical assistance to Sri Lankans affected by Cyclone Ditwah, treating more than 5,000 patients. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Sri Lanka High Commissioner Mahishini Colonne and handed over part of a consignment of essential life-saving medicines; the full consignment will be airlifted to Colombo by an Indian Air Force C-17.
Operation Sagar Bandhu, in line with India’s Neighbourhood First policy, was launched to provide humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah.
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