In call with PM Modi, Lankan President conveys deep gratitude for India’s swift and effective assistance
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Monday to offer heartfelt condolences for the loss of life and widespread devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. He reminded the President that India remains a steady ally, pledging continued support under the ongoing Operation Sagar Bandhu – the country’s rapid‑response initiative aligned with Vision MAHASAGAR.
President Dissanayake expressed deep gratitude for the timely, effective help that New Delhi has dispatched. “President Dissanayake conveyed his deep gratitude for India’s assistance in the wake of the disaster and appreciated the swift deployment of rescue teams and relief material,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement. “He also conveyed the appreciation of the people of Sri Lanka for India’s timely and effective response efforts.”
Both leaders agreed to keep their lines of communication open. In the wake of the cyclone’s massive flooding, India has shipped a total of 53 tonnes of aid—and flown more than 2,000 stranded Indians back home.
The Operation Sagar Bandhu was launched on 28 November. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reported that, in coordination with Sri Lankan authorities, India first loaded 9.5 tonnes of emergency rations onto two Indian Navy ships in Colombo. Three Indian Air Force aircraft then airlifted a further 31.5 tonnes of relief supplies—including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, ready‑to‑eat food, medicine and surgical equipment—along with two Bhishm‑class container units and a five‑person medical team to deliver on‑site training.
An additional 12 tonnes of relief material was transported on the Indian Navy ship INS Sukanya, bringing the total to 53 tonnes by Monday evening. Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant and MI‑17 helicopters of the IAF worked with the Sri Lankan Air Force to rescue stranded people, many of whom were pregnant, infants or severely injured. The rescued individuals included nationals from Sri Lanka, India, Germany, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Poland, Belarus, Iran, Australia, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
NDRF units continued search‑and‑rescue operations across isolated, flood‑hit areas, assisting more than 150 families and ensuring their immediate safety. Meanwhile, IAF 1875 helicopters safely evacuated 57 people—including 10 children—from Irunguwatta to Matale and delivered 2.5 tonnes of rations to Keagalle on Monday.
Under the Operation Sagar Bandhu umbrella, INS Sukanya also docked in Trincomalee with another 12 tonnes of essential supplies. Indian rescue teams are coordinating with Sri Lanka’s air force, navy, army, police and local responders to facilitate evacuations, deliver supplies and provide emergency support across the island.
“Guided by India’s Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, we remain the First Responder, standing firmly in solidarity with the Government and people of Sri Lanka during this critical time,” the MEA emphasized.
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