Colombo, December 14 — The Indian Army has intensified efforts to re-establish road links in Sri Lanka, coordinating with the Sri Lankan Army and the Road Development Authority. Preparatory work is under way at bridge sites in Chilaw and Kilinochchi, including steps to install Bailey bridges to reconnect disrupted routes.
The damaged Kilinochchi bridge has been fully de-launched, and teams are preparing to launch a Bailey bridge to restore vehicle access. Indian engineers remain engaged in rescue and relief operations following Cyclone Ditwah.
Sri Lanka Army Commander Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo inspected the Chilaw site and praised the difficult and demanding work being carried out by Indian Army engineers alongside local road authority personnel amid challenging weather.
An Engineer Task Force of 48 Indian Army personnel was urgently airlifted and inducted to provide critical engineering support focused on restoring vital lines of communication — repairing and rebuilding damaged roads and bridges. The team includes specialized bridging experts, surveyors, watermanship specialists, heavy earth‑moving equipment operators, and personnel trained in drones and unmanned systems for precise engineering and assessment.
The task force is holding four Bailey bridge sets airlifted by Indian Air Force C-17s and is equipped with pneumatic boats, outboard motors, HESCO defensive barriers, heavy‑payload drones and remotely controlled boats to assist in reconnection and relief operations.
Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, launched as part of India’s Neighbourhood First policy, the Indian Army has also provided substantial medical assistance to those affected by Cyclone Ditwah, treating more than 5,000 patients. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner Mahishini Colonne to hand over part of a consignment of essential life‑saving medicines; the remainder is scheduled to be airlifted to Colombo by an Indian Air Force C-17.
Operation Sagar Bandhu continues to coordinate humanitarian aid and engineering support to help restore services and connectivity in the cyclone’s aftermath.
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