Colombo, Dec 23 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar met with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo on Tuesday, extending Prime Minister Narendra Modi's heartfelt wishes and solidarity following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

During their meeting, both leaders inaugurated a 120-foot dual carriageway Bailey Bridge in the Kilinochchi District of Northern Province, an area deeply impacted by the cyclone. This 110-tonne bridge was airlifted from India and installed as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu.

EAM Jaishankar also revealed a reconstruction package worth $450 million for Sri Lanka, aimed at rehabilitating and restoring road, railway, and bridge connectivity, constructing homes fully destroyed and partially damaged, and supporting the health and education sectors.

“I was pleased to meet President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo today, where I conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's warm wishes and message of solidarity post-Cyclone Ditwah,” the EAM tweeted.

“Building on our First Responder role under Operation Sagar Bandhu, India will commit to a reconstruction package of USD 450 million for Sri Lanka, which includes: rehabilitation and restoration of connectivity, reconstruction of homes, and support for health and education sectors, particularly those affected by the cyclone; assistance for agriculture to mitigate potential shortages; and enhancements in disaster response and preparedness,” he added.

EAM Jaishankar emphasized India's unwavering support for Sri Lanka, reinforcing the civilizational ties and the Neighbourhood First and Vision MAHASAGAR initiatives.

His arrival in Colombo on Monday was warmly welcomed by Sri Lankan Deputy Tourism Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe.

This visit highlights India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and aligns with Operation Sagar Bandhu, which was initiated to respond to the destruction wrought by Cyclone Ditwah, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Operation Sagar Bandhu commenced on November 28 as India’s first response to provide urgent Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) to Sri Lanka.

Last week, India dispatched relief supplies to various flood-stricken areas of Sri Lanka, exemplifying its steadfast commitment to aiding the neighboring country during crises under Operation Sagar Bandhu.

On December 18, India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, visited the Kolonnawa suburb of Colombo and the Bhaktivedanta Children's Home 'Gokulam' in Wattala, regions severely impacted by the floods resulting from Cyclone Ditwah.

As part of continued support, High Commissioner Jha distributed assistance kits to families in Kolonnawa in partnership with the All Ceylon Sufi Spiritual Association and provided aid to children at 'Gokulam' at the ISKCON Temple in Colombo, where they have been temporarily relocated.

Earlier, on December 14, an Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft landed in Sri Lanka, delivering 10 tonnes of medicines and 15 tonnes of dry rations, while also facilitating the return of the Indian Army Field Hospital team, which had been established in Mahiyanganaya, near Kandy, after successfully completing its humanitarian mission.

“Efforts to restore crucial road connectivity are progressing well. Preparations are underway at bridge sites in Chilaw and Kilinochchi, with the damaged bridge in Kilinochchi fully cleared and ready for the installation of a Bailey Bridge, ensuring smoother transportation and enhanced access in the region,” stated the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka.