Colombo, Dec 23 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar conducted a meeting with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya in Colombo on Tuesday, reaffirming India's unwavering dedication to aid in Sri Lanka's recovery following Cyclone Ditwah.

In a statement posted on X, EAM Jaishankar stated, "It was a pleasure to meet Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya of Sri Lanka today in Colombo. I assured her of India's unwavering commitment to assist in Sri Lanka's reconstruction after Cyclone Ditwah. The reconstruction support from India illustrates the deep ties between our two nations."

Earlier that day, EAM Jaishankar also met with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, conveying Prime Minister Narendra Modi's regards and a message of solidarity in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah.

During the meeting, EAM Jaishankar announced a total reconstruction package of USD 450 million aimed at rehabilitating and restoring road, railway, and bridge connectivity, rebuilding homes that were completely destroyed or partially damaged, and providing support for the health and education sectors. Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath was also present during the discussions.

"I was pleased to meet with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo today, where I conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's warm wishes and supportive message in response to Cyclone Ditwah," EAM Jaishankar shared on X.

"Building on our First Responder initiative under Operation Sagar Bandhu, India is prepared to commit a reconstruction package of USD 450 million to Sri Lanka, which includes: Rehabilitation and restoration of road, railway, and bridge connectivity; Construction of homes that were either completely destroyed or partially damaged; Support for health and education sectors, particularly for those impacted by the cyclone; Assistance to agriculture, addressing potential shortfalls in the near and medium-term; and improvements in disaster response and preparedness," he elaborated.

During this meeting, EAM Jaishankar and Vijitha Herath inaugurated a 120-foot dual carriageway Bailey Bridge in the Kilinochchi District of the Northern Province, a region heavily affected by Cyclone Ditwah.

"Together with FM HM Vijitha Herath and in the presence of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, we inaugurated a 120-foot dual carriageway Bailey Bridge in Kilinochchi, one of the areas hardest hit by Cyclone Ditwah. The 110-tonne bridge was airlifted from India and installed as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu," EAM Jaishankar posted on X.

The External Affairs Minister arrived in Colombo on Monday, receiving a warm welcome from Sri Lankan Deputy Tourism Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe.

This visit to Sri Lanka underscores India's Neighbourhood First Policy and is tied to Operation Sagar Bandhu, launched to mitigate the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, as noted in a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

India initiated Operation Sagar Bandhu on November 28, acting as the First Responder immediately after the catastrophic Cyclone Ditwah, to provide urgent Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) to Sri Lanka.