Sri Lanka thanks India for swift humanitarian aid under Operation Sagar Bandhu after Cyclone Ditwah, as Indian Air Force and Navy deliver essential supplies and disaster relief.
Sri Lankan leaders have expressed gratitude to India for swift humanitarian assistance following Cyclone Ditwah, which claimed several lives and left thousands affected. Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath thanked External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for India’s support under Operation Sagar Bandhu.
“Thank you, my friend, S. Jaishankar, for the assistance at this hard time,” Herath posted on X. Former Foreign Minister Mohamed Uvais Mohamed Ali Sabry also acknowledged India’s immediate relief, noting the enduring support during Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic crisis.
Continuing the humanitarian effort, an Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft delivered around 12 tonnes of aid to Colombo on Saturday. Supplies included tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat food. Earlier, India had sent 4.5 tonnes of dry rations, 2 tonnes of fresh rations, and other essential items via Indian Naval Ships INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri.
EAM Jaishankar posted on X: “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.”
The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka reaffirmed India’s commitment under its Neighbourhood First policy, saying: “In this challenging moment, India stands firmly with the people of Sri Lanka.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended condolences to those who lost loved ones and highlighted India’s ongoing relief support.
