Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 30 (NationPress) Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has urgently requested the Central government to intervene in rescuing over 60 Keralites who are stranded at Sri Lanka’s Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. This situation arose after Cyclone Ditwah caused significant disruptions to flight operations across the nation.

Approximately 300 Indian nationals, many of whom were passengers on SriLankan Airlines flights arriving from Saudi Arabia, have been stuck at the airport for three days.

In a letter to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, CM Vijayan expressed that the situation is alarming, as many of the stranded individuals lack adequate food, drinking water, and basic amenities. He highlighted that many travelers were only making brief transit stops in Colombo, but the unexpected flight cancellations have left them distressed.

“We are exceedingly concerned about the plight of those stranded. The Government of Kerala is prepared to provide any necessary support and eagerly awaits your prompt response and action,” CM Vijayan urged, calling for swift action from the Centre.

A group of stranded Keralites also released a video message appealing for immediate assistance from both state and central governments, describing their lack of amenities and the uncertainty they are experiencing.

Acting Indian High Commissioner Dr. Satyanjal Pandey met with the stranded passengers at the Colombo airport on Saturday, providing them with food and water while assuring them that the Government of India is working to facilitate their return.

“The Acting HC assured them of all possible assistance. He conveyed that the Government of India will enable their swift travel back to India,” the Indian High Commission posted on X, along with photographs from the airport.

The High Commission also shared a registration link for stranded Indians and urged those in distress to reach out to its emergency helpline at +94 773727832, which is accessible via WhatsApp. The Commission stated that it is “facilitating the swift return home of Indian passengers stranded in Sri Lanka” and that “evacuation flights by the IAF and commercial airlines are being organized today.”

“Every stranded Indian will be home as soon as possible,” posted the High Commission on its X account on Sunday.

Cyclone Ditwah has caused extensive rainfall and wind damage across Sri Lanka, resulting in large-scale disruptions to flight operations. Several flights operated by IndiGo and SriLankan Airlines have been canceled, diverted, or delayed. On Friday, five flights bound for Colombo—three from the Middle East, one from Malaysia, and one from Sri Lanka—were diverted to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport due to severe weather conditions. Authorities in both India and Sri Lanka are coordinating efforts to restore normalcy and ensure the safe repatriation of stranded passengers as the region continues to be impacted by Cyclone Ditwah.