Colombo, Dec 23 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar engaged with leaders from the Indian origin Tamil community in Colombo on Tuesday during his visit to the island nation.

In a post on X, he stated, "Met with the leaders of the Indian Origin Tamil community in Colombo. They provided insights on the impact of Cyclone Ditwah and discussed our proposed reconstruction package."

During his visit, EAM Jaishankar also communicated with Sri Lankan Tamil leaders and reaffirmed India's commitment to assist in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the country following Cyclone Ditwah.

Earlier that day, Sajith Premadasa, the Leader of the Opposition from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya coalition, met with EAM Jaishankar in Colombo, expressing gratitude for India's support in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah.

He remarked, "In challenging times, true neighbors unite. Thank you, Dr. S Jaishankar, for India's critical assistance to Sri Lanka when it was essential. May we always choose to stand together as exemplary neighbors," which he shared on X after their discussion.

EAM Jaishankar appreciated his meeting with the Leader of the Opposition, noting they deliberated on India's reconstruction proposal after Cyclone Ditwah.

He remarked, "I valued my meeting with Sajith Premadasa, the Leader of the Opposition of Sri Lanka in Colombo today. We discussed India's proposed reconstruction package in light of Cyclone Ditwah," as posted on X.

Furthermore, EAM Jaishankar spoke with members of the Indian business community in Sri Lanka, stating, "It was a pleasure to engage with members of the Indian business community here. I commend their efforts in providing relief during Cyclone Ditwah."

In meetings with Sri Lankan officials including Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, Labour and Deputy Finance Minister Anil Jayantha, and Deputy Tourism Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe, EAM Jaishankar reaffirmed India's unwavering support for Sri Lanka's recovery and rebuilding efforts post-Cyclone Ditwah.

He expressed, "I was pleased to meet with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath alongside Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, Labour and Deputy Finance Minister Anil Jayantha, and Deputy Tourism Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe this afternoon," as he shared on X.

"I reiterated India’s full support for Sri Lanka’s recovery and rebuilding efforts following Cyclone Ditwah, discussing the execution of the reconstruction package and additional relief measures," he added.

Additionally, EAM Jaishankar held discussions with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya in Colombo, assuring India’s steadfast commitment to Sri Lanka’s reconstruction after Cyclone Ditwah.

He also met with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, delivering Prime Minister Narendra Modi's regards and a message of solidarity following Cyclone Ditwah.

EAM Jaishankar announced a reconstruction package worth USD 450 million for Sri Lanka, which includes restoring road, railway, and bridge connectivity, constructing homes that were fully destroyed or partially damaged, and supporting the health and education sectors. This meeting included Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath.

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

"Building on our First Responder initiatives under Operation Sagar Bandhu, India commits to a reconstruction package of USD 450 million for Sri Lanka, which encompasses: rehabilitation and restoration of road, railway, and bridge connectivity; construction of completely destroyed and partially damaged homes; support for health and education sectors, particularly those impacted by the cyclone; addressing agricultural shortages in the short and medium term; and enhancing disaster response and preparedness," he noted.

During the meeting, EAM Jaishankar and Vijitha Herath inaugurated a 120-foot dual carriageway Bailey Bridge in the Kilinochchi District of Northern Province, an area greatly impacted 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 the Kilinochchi District of Northern Province, one of the regions severely affected by Cyclone Ditwah. The 110-tonne bridge was airlifted from India as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu," EAM Jaishankar posted on X.