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Sri Lanka Thanks India for Cyclone Relief at 'Thank You Bharat' Event

The Maha Bodhi Society of India hosted a "Thank You Bharat" event to acknowledge India's support to Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah. Sri Lanka's High Commissioner emphasized the enduring bonds rooted in shared history and Buddhist heritage, recalling the temple's inauguration by Mahatma Gandhi. Union Minister Pabitra Margherita highlighted India's commitment driven by strong civilizational and people-to-people connections. The aid, delivered under Operation Sagarbandhu, included critical infrastructure restoration like bridges to help overwhelmed local response mechanisms.

Key Points: India-Sri Lanka Bonds Strengthened at 'Thank You Bharat' Event

  • Gratitude for disaster relief
  • Shared Buddhist heritage
  • Operation Sagarbandhu aid
  • Civilizational bonds reaffirmed
  • Infrastructure restoration
2 min read

Maha Bodhi Society hosts 'Thank You Bharat' event to acknowledge India's support to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's High Commissioner thanks India for post-cyclone relief at Maha Bodhi Society event, highlighting shared heritage and Operation Sagarbandhu.

"Those words resonate with even greater meaning today, as we gather to express our gratitude to Bharat. - Mahishini Colonne"

New Delhi, February 9

The Maha Bodhi Society of India on Sunday hosted a special event, "Thank You Bharat" at the historic Buddha Vihara on Mandir Marg to acknowledge India's support and assistance to Sri Lanka, particularly in relief and rehabilitation efforts following Cyclone Ditwah.

Addressing the gathering, Sri Lanka's High Commissioner to India, Mahishini Colonne, said it was an honour to be present at the sacred Buddha Vihara, a place deeply associated with the ideals of Sri Anagarika Dharmapala and Mahatma Gandhi.

Recalling that Mahatma Gandhi inaugurated the temple in 1939, she noted that Gandhiji had called upon people to practise love and tolerance, values that, she said, resonate even more strongly today.

"Those words resonate with even greater meaning today, as we gather to express our gratitude to Bharat," Colonne said, highlighting the enduring bonds between the two countries rooted in shared history, culture and Buddhist heritage.

Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, also participated in the event.

In a post on X, Margherita said it was "heartening to be part of Maha Bodhi Society's 'Thank You Bharat' event in appreciation of India's relief and rehabilitation efforts in Sri Lanka post Cyclone Ditwah." He added that India's commitment to stand by Sri Lanka in times of need is driven by "strong civilisational and people-to-people bonds."

As reconstruction efforts continue in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah, the Indian army and the Indian Navy transported ten additional extra-wide bridges to Sri Lanka under Operation Sagarbandhu, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information of the Indian Army said on Friday.

Cyclone Ditwah, which struck Sri Lanka late last year, triggered widespread flooding, landslides, and large-scale infrastructure damage, overwhelming local disaster-response mechanisms.

Operation Sagarbandhu, launched in November 2025, enabled India to provide urgent Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), including restoration of roads, bridges, and essential services. By swiftly reestablishing connectivity along the B-492, the Indian Army has not only facilitated daily life for affected communities but also strengthened bilateral ties and goodwill between India and Sri Lanka.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
Operation Sagarbandhu is a prime example of why we need a strong, capable military. It's not just about defense, but about being the first responder for our friends in the region. Proud of our armed forces!
A
Aman W
While I appreciate the sentiment, I hope our aid is part of a broader, strategic vision. We must ensure our generosity translates into lasting goodwill and stability in our immediate neighborhood. The event is a nice gesture, though.
S
Sarah B
As someone living in Delhi, it's fascinating to learn about the history of the Buddha Vihara on Mandir Marg. The connection to Gandhi and Dharmapala shows how deep these cultural ties run. A beautiful story of friendship.
K
Karthik V
This is what 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the world is one family) looks like in action. Helping Sri Lanka in their hour of need strengthens the entire subcontinent. More power to such humanitarian efforts!
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Nisha Z
Respectfully, I wish we saw the same urgency and scale of assistance for some disaster-hit regions within our own country. Our foreign policy is commendable, but domestic needs must remain the top priority.

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