Colombo, Dec 23 (NationPress) The External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar is set to meet Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Tuesday, following the launch of 'Operation Sagar Bandhu' by India in response to the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah in the island nation.

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

In a post on X on Tuesday, EAM Jaishankar remarked, "Eagerly anticipating my meeting with His Excellency President Anura Kumara Dissanayake this morning. India takes pride in standing alongside Sri Lanka during Cyclone Ditwah and providing support through Operation Sagar Bandhu."

This visit emphasizes India's Neighbourhood First Policy and occurs in the context of Operation Sagar Bandhu, initiated to tackle the destruction inflicted by Cyclone Ditwah.

Operation Sagar Bandhu was launched on November 28, marking India's role as the First Responder in the immediate aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, aimed at offering urgent Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) to Sri Lanka.

Recently, India delivered relief supplies to various flood-affected areas in Sri Lanka, showcasing its unwavering commitment to aiding its neighboring country during crises through Operation Sagar Bandhu.

On December 18, India's High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, visited the Kolonnawa area of Colombo and the Bhaktivedanta Children's Home 'Gokulam' in Wattala, both severely impacted by the cyclone's aftermath.

As part of India's ongoing assistance, High Commissioner Jha distributed relief kits to families in Kolonnawa, collaborating with the All Ceylon Sufi Spiritual Association and providing support to the children of 'Gokulam' at the ISKCON Temple in Colombo, where they have relocated.

Earlier, on December 14, an Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft reached 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 that had been set up in Mahiyanganaya, near Kandy, after successfully completing its humanitarian mission.

The High Commission of India in Sri Lanka stated, "Efforts to restore critical road connectivity are advancing well. Preparations are ongoing at bridge sites in Chilaw and Kilinochchi, with the damaged Kilinochchi Bridge cleared and ready for a Bailey Bridge installation, enhancing access in the region."

On December 1, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, expressing his condolences for the lives lost and destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah, while reaffirming India's continued support under Operation Sagar Bandhu.

PM Modi emphasized India's solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka during this trying time, and President Dissanayake expressed sincere gratitude for New Delhi's prompt and effective assistance.

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) noted, "President Dissanayake expressed profound appreciation for India's support following the disaster and acknowledged the rapid deployment of rescue teams and relief materials. He also conveyed the gratitude of the Sri Lankan people for India's timely response efforts."

PM Modi extended heartfelt condolences for the losses and destruction in Sri Lanka due to Cyclone Ditwah and assured continued assistance under Operation Sagar Bandhu, in accordance with Vision MAHASAGAR and as the 'First Responder'.