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Jaishankar Holds Talks With Sri Lankan Tamil Leaders, Stresses Post-Cyclone Reconstruction

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held discussions with Sri Lankan Tamil leaders, emphasizing India's commitment to reconstruction efforts following Cyclone Ditwah. He also met with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, stating India is working on a swift aid coordination mechanism and will support Sri Lanka through tourism and investment.

Key Points: Jaishankar Meets Sri Lankan Tamil Leaders, Discusses Post-Ditwah Relief | India-Sri Lanka Ties

  • EAM Jaishankar meets Sri Lankan Tamil leaders
  • India prioritises swift cyclone aid delivery to Sri Lanka
  • Discussions focus on post-Ditwah reconstruction and rehabilitation
  • India pledges to encourage tourism and investment to boost Sri Lankan economy
2 min read

EAM Jaishankar holds talks with SL Tamil leaders on Cyclone Ditwah's proposed relief package by India

EAM S Jaishankar held talks with Sri Lankan Tamil leaders, underlining India's commitment to post-Cyclone Ditwah reconstruction and discussing aid coordination with Colombo.

"Interacted with Sri Lankan Tamil leaders this afternoon. Underlined our commitment and efforts towards post-Ditwah reconstruction and rehabilitation. - S Jaishankar / External Affairs MinisterWe are conscious that work towards mitigating the impact of Cyclone Ditwah on the people of Sri Lanka must be done in the quickest time possible. We are discussing an effective coordination mechanism for the earliest possible delivery. - S Jaishankar / External Affairs Minister"

Colombo, December 23

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday held talks with Sri Lankan Tamil leaders.

Jaishankar highlighted India's efforts in reconstruction post Cyclone Ditwah havoc.

In a post on X, he said, "Interacted with Sri Lankan Tamil leaders this afternoon. Underlined our commitment and efforts towards post-Ditwah reconstruction and rehabilitation."

Earlier in the day, during a press statement at a meeting with Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Jaishankar said India was prioritising the fastest delivery of aid to the country, given the damage caused by the cyclone.

"We are conscious that work towards mitigating the impact of Cyclone Ditwah on the people of Sri Lanka must be done in the quickest time possible. We are discussing an effective coordination mechanism for the earliest possible delivery," he said.

To boost the economy, Jaishankar said India will continue to encourage tourist travel to Sri Lanka.

"Let me also add that there are other ways by which India can and will be of support to Sri Lanka. You are a significant tourism economy and Minister, let me assure you that we will continue to encourage tourism traffic from India in that regard. Similarly, an increase in Foreign Direct Investment from India can also boost your economy at a critical time. Our discussions will therefore keep in mind promoting a deeper cooperative relationship between our two countries," he said.

Jaishankar further recognised that India stood with Sri Lanka as it sought to rise from this challenging period.

"Friends, we fully recognise that this is a very difficult period for Sri Lanka. Just as it was recovering from the economic crisis of 2022, this natural disaster has created new difficulties. We have seen in the past the strong resolve and strength among the people of Sri Lanka to overcome challenges and to march ahead. I can assure you that India stands firmly with Sri Lanka more than ever before, and I am sure that Sri Lanka will once again demonstrate its great resilience in recovering from this adversity," he said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see India stepping up. The Tamil community in Sri Lanka has faced many hardships, and targeted relief after the cyclone is crucial. Hope the aid reaches the people who need it most, without any delays.
R
Rohit P
While I appreciate the humanitarian gesture, we must ensure our own disaster management systems are robust. Just last year, many states in India struggled with floods. Charity begins at home, but yes, we should help our neighbors too.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has visited Sri Lanka, this is heartening. Their economy relies heavily on tourism, and encouraging Indian travelers is a practical way to provide long-term support. It's a win-win for people-to-people connections.
V
Vikram M
Jaishankar ji is handling this well. It's about more than just aid; it's about building a lasting partnership. The mention of a "coordination mechanism" is key - efficiency is everything in disaster relief. Good diplomacy.
K
Karthik V
Hope this aid is transparent and monitored. We've seen in the past how relief can get stuck in bureaucracy or misused. The focus should be on ground impact, not just announcements. Let's get the help where it's needed, fast.

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