New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will visit Sri Lanka on Tuesday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s special envoy and hold talks with the country’s top leadership. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement on Monday, “This visit reflects India’s Neighborhood First policy and is taking place in the context of Operation Sagar Bandhu launched to address the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditawah.”
India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu on November 28th to provide immediate humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) support to Sri Lanka as a first responder in the aftermath of the severe cyclonic storm Ditawah. Last week, India delivered relief supplies to various areas of Sri Lanka affected by floods. Operation Sagar Bandhu demonstrates India’s strong commitment to assist our neighboring country in difficult times.
On December 18, Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha visited the Bhaktivedanta Children’s Home ‘Gokulam’ in Colombo’s Kolonnawa area and Wattala – areas severely affected by flooding following the cyclone.
As part of India’s continued assistance to the island nation of Sri Lanka, High Commissioner Jha distributed relief kits to families in Kolonnawa and to the children of ‘Gokulam’ at the ISKCON Temple in Colombo, where they have been relocated.
Earlier, on December 14, an Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft carrying relief supplies arrived in Sri Lanka. The first consignment delivered 10 tons of medicines and 15 tons of dry rations.
The Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka said in a statement, “Efforts to restore vital road connectivity are progressing steadily. Preparations are underway at the bridge construction sites in Chilaw and Kilinochchi. The damaged Kilinochchi Bridge has been completely cleared and is ready for the installation of a Bailey bridge, which will ease travel and improve connectivity in the area.”
On December 1, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake by phone and expressed condolences for the loss of life and destruction caused by Cyclone Ditawah in the country. He also assured India’s continued support under Operation Sagar Bandhu. PM Modi said that the people of India stand firmly with the people of Sri Lanka and support them in this time of need.
A statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said, “President Dissanayake thanked India for its assistance following the disaster and commended the swift deployment of rescue teams and relief materials. He also expressed gratitude on behalf of the people of Sri Lanka for India’s timely and effective response.”
Cyclone Ditwaha, which struck Sri Lanka in late November, caused widespread devastation and heavy loss of life and property. Expressing deep condolences for the widespread devastation, PM Modi assured India’s continued support under Vision Sagar and as a ‘first responder’ through Operation Sagar Bandhu.
