Colombo, Dec 8 (NationPress) - As India continues to provide humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka through Operation Sagar Bandhu following Cyclone Ditwah, Sri Lankan MP Namal Rajapaksa met with Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha to convey his appreciation for the ongoing relief and rescue efforts.

“Hon. MP Namal Rajapaksa met High Commissioner Santosh Jha and expressed gratitude for the ongoing relief and rescue initiatives under Operation Sagar Bandhu. The High Commissioner reiterated India’s commitment to continue supporting the people of Sri Lanka in their recovery efforts,” the Indian High Commission in Colombo stated on X.

Following their discussion, Rajapaksa tweeted, “Met with Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha to express our sincere thanks for India’s prompt support during the Sri Lanka floods. India has consistently been our first responder during challenging times. We are thankful to the Government and people of India.”

On Sunday, India dispatched approximately 1000 tonnes of additional supplies, including essential food items and clothing, to Sri Lanka, which was affected by Cyclone Ditwah, with contributions from the people of Tamil Nadu.

Of this, around 300 tonnes arrived in Colombo aboard three Indian Naval ships.

High Commissioner Santosh Jha delivered the relief materials to Wasantha Samarasinghe, Sri Lanka’s Minister for Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development.

In a concurrent initiative to restore connectivity in the island nation, Indian Army Engineers, in collaboration with Sri Lankan Army Engineers and the Road Development Authority, began dismantling the damaged bridge on the Paranthan–Karachchi–Mullaitivu (A35) road in the Kilinochchi district.

This collaborative effort signifies a crucial step towards reestablishing vital connectivity for communities impacted by the cyclone.

India initiated Operation Sagar Bandhu on November 28 to provide urgent search and rescue as well as Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) to Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah, which resulted in severe flooding, landslides, loss of life, and widespread disruption across the nation.

As stated by the Indian High Commission in Colombo, India’s multifaceted support under Operation Sagar Bandhu highlights its steadfast dedication to stand alongside Sri Lanka in relief, recovery, and long-term rehabilitation efforts.

On December 6, High Commissioner Santosh Jha met with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath to assess the current Indian assistance under Operation Sagar Bandhu and explore cooperation opportunities during the reconstruction and rehabilitation phase.

He also engaged with Sri Lankan corporate leaders involved with the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund’ to discuss recovery strategies and brief them on India’s extensive response and ongoing commitment to support Sri Lanka during this critical period.