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Cyclone Ditwah Crisis: How India's Aid Strengthens Sri Lanka Ties

Sri Lankan leaders have publicly thanked India for immediate humanitarian assistance following Cyclone Ditwah. The Indian Air Force delivered approximately 12 tonnes of essential supplies including tents, blankets, and ready-to-eat food items. This assistance continues under Operation Sagar Bandhu, reinforcing India's commitment to its Neighbourhood First policy. Both current and former Sri Lankan foreign ministers expressed deep appreciation for India's timely support during this challenging period.

Key Points: Sri Lankan Leaders Thank India for Cyclone Ditwah Relief Aid

  • Indian Air Force delivers 12 tonnes of emergency supplies including tents and food
  • Sri Lanka recalls India's crucial support during 2022 economic crisis
  • Operation Sagar Bandhu demonstrates India's Neighbourhood First policy commitment
  • Cyclone Ditwah caused multiple fatalities and affected thousands across Sri Lanka
2 min read

Cyclone Ditwah: Sri Lankan leaders thank India for humanitarian assistance

Sri Lankan leaders express gratitude as India sends 12 tonnes of humanitarian aid under Operation Sagar Bandhu following devastating Cyclone Ditwah.

"Thank you, my friend, S. Jaishankar, for the assistance at this hard time - Vijitha Herath"

Colombo, Nov 29

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath on Saturday expressed gratitude to External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar for the humanitarian assistance sent to Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu following Cyclone Ditwah.

"Thank you, my friend, S. Jaishankar, for the assistance at this hard time," Herath posted on X.

Former Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Mohamed Uvais Mohamed Ali Sabry also thanked India for the immediate cyclone relief.

"Thank you, India, for the urgent cyclone relief sent under Operation Sagar Bandhu. Sri Lanka remembers with gratitude the crucial support you extended during the 2022 economic crisis. Your friendship continues to make a meaningful difference," Sabry posted on X.

Continuing India's humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu, an Indian Air Force plane carrying around 12 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat food items, landed in Colombo on Saturday in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which claimed several lives and left thousands affected.

Taking to X, EAM Jaishankar said, "Operation Sagar Bandhu unfolds. Indian Air Force C-130 J plane carrying approx 12 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat food items, lands in Colombo."

On Friday, under 'Operation Sagar Bandhu', India delivered urgent Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) supplies to Sri Lanka.

The Indian High Commission stated that India has provided 4.5 tonnes of dry rations, 2 tonnes of fresh rations, and other essential relief items brought by Indian Naval Ship (INS) Vikrant and INS Udaygiri to assist impacted families.

"In this challenging moment, India stands firmly with the people of Sri Lanka, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the Neighbourhood First policy," the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka posted on X.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences to the people of Sri Lanka who had lost their loved ones due to Cyclone Ditwah and announced that India had sent relief materials and HADR support to Sri Lanka under 'Operation Sagar Bandhu'.

scor/sd/

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
While I appreciate our humanitarian efforts, I hope we're also focusing on our own disaster preparedness. Many Indian states face similar cyclones and we need to ensure our systems are equally robust. Just a thought.
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Sarah B
As someone who has visited Sri Lanka, I'm glad to see India stepping up. The people there are wonderful and deserve all the support during this difficult time. Well done to our armed forces for the quick delivery! ✈️
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Vikram M
Neighbourhood First policy in action! This is how we build strong regional partnerships. Remember how Sri Lanka stood with us during the 2004 tsunami? True friendship means being there for each other. ❤️
A
Ananya R
The detailed list of supplies - tents, food, hygiene kits - shows thoughtful planning. This isn't just symbolic help but meaningful assistance that will actually help people rebuild their lives. Kudos to the planning teams!
M
Michael C
Living in Chennai, we know how devastating cyclones can be. Glad to see India using its experience and resources to help our neighbors. This is the kind of soft power that really matters in international relations.

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