New Delhi, Dec 12 (NationPress) Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri engaged in discussions with Sri Lanka's High Commissioner to India, Mahishini Colonne on Friday, reaffirming India's dedication to aiding the island nation in its swift recovery and rebuilding efforts following the devastating Cyclone Ditwah.

During their conversation, Misri presented vital life-saving medicines to the Ambassador, with a comprehensive shipment set to be transported to Sri Lanka via an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu.

According to a post by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on X, "Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with Sri Lanka's High Commissioner Mahishini Colonne and reiterated India’s unwavering commitment to ongoing support for Sri Lanka’s swift recovery and reconstruction following the catastrophic Cyclone Ditwah."

"As part of the ongoing medical assistance provided under Operation Sagar Bandhu, the Foreign Secretary also delivered essential life-saving medicines, the entire consignment of which will be airlifted by an IAF C17 to Colombo," it added.

India initiated 'Operation Sagar Bandhu' on November 28 to deliver immediate search and rescue and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) to Sri Lanka in light of the severe impacts of Cyclone Ditwah, which has inflicted significant flooding, landslides, loss of life, and widespread disruption throughout the island.

On Thursday, Sri Lanka's Deputy Minister of Health Muditha Hansaka Wijemuni and Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media Anil Jasinghe visited the Indian Army-operated field hospital situated in Mahiyanganaya, near Kandy, to commend the crucial support being provided to those affected by the floods.

"Hon. Dr. Muditha Hansaka Wijemuni, Deputy Minister of Health, and Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, visited the field hospital operated by the Indian Army in Mahiyanganaya near Kandy. They assessed the ongoing medical efforts and acknowledged the vital assistance being extended to flood-impacted communities under Operation Sagar Bandhu," noted the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka on X.

On Wednesday, the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka reported that the Shatrujeet Brigade Integrated Task Force quickly repaired the cyclone-damaged Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) that caused a widespread communications blackout in Mahiyanganaya.

"Operation Sagar Bandhu is restoring critical connectivity. After the devastating impact of Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka, the Indian Army's Shatrujeet Brigade Integrated Task Force rapidly repaired the cyclone-damaged Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) responsible for the significant communications disruption in Mahiyanganaya, near Kandy. This swift action has effectively restored essential connectivity to affected regions, reaffirming India's role as a first responder in restoring robust and reliable communication infrastructure when it’s most needed," stated the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka in a post on X.