Colombo, Dec 23 (NationPress) Sri Lanka's Leader of the Opposition and opposition coalition Samagi Jana Balawegaya, Sajith Premadasa, met with visiting External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar in Colombo on Tuesday, expressing gratitude for the assistance India provided to the island nation following Cyclone Ditwah.

"In challenging times, genuine neighbors step in. Thank you, Dr. S. Jaishankar, for India's timely support to Sri Lanka when it was most needed. May we always choose to unite as the finest of neighbors," Premadasa shared on X after their discussion.

EAM Jaishankar also valued his meeting with Sri Lanka's Leader of Opposition, emphasizing that they reviewed India's proposed reconstruction package in light of Cyclone Ditwah's aftermath.

"I appreciate the opportunity to meet with Sajith Premadasa, Leader of Opposition of Sri Lanka in Colombo today. We discussed India's proposed reconstruction package following Cyclone Ditwah," he remarked on X.

Moreover, EAM Jaishankar interacted with members of the Indian Business community in Sri Lanka.

"It was a pleasure to engage with Indian business leaders in Sri Lanka. I commend their efforts in providing relief during Cyclone Ditwah," he noted on X.

Earlier, EAM Jaishankar met with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, Labour and Deputy Finance Minister Anil Jayantha, and Deputy Tourism Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe on Tuesday, reiterating India's unwavering support for the island nation's recovery efforts post-Cyclone Ditwah.

"I was pleased to meet with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and other key ministers this afternoon," EAM Jaishankar posted on X.

"We reaffirmed India’s full support for Sri Lanka’s recovery and rebuilding following Cyclone Ditwah, discussing the execution of the offered reconstruction package and additional relief initiatives," he added.

EAM Jaishankar also convened a meeting with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya in Colombo, asserting India's steadfast commitment to assist in rebuilding after Cyclone Ditwah.

Additionally, he visited Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's good wishes and message of solidarity in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah.

EAM Jaishankar announced a reconstruction package worth USD 450 million for Sri Lanka, aimed at rehabilitating and restoring road, railway, and bridge connectivity, rebuilding homes that were completely destroyed or partially damaged, and supporting the health and education sectors. Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath attended the meeting.

"I was glad to call on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo today and conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's heartfelt wishes and message of solidarity following Cyclone Ditwah," EAM Jaishankar shared on X.

"Building on our First Responder efforts under Operation Sagar Bandhu, India will commit to 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 fully destroyed or partially damaged; support for health and education sectors, especially those impacted by the cyclone; assistance for agriculture to address potential shortages in the near and medium term; and enhancing disaster response and preparedness capabilities," he elaborated.

During the meeting, EAM Jaishankar and Vijitha Herath inaugurated a 120-foot dual carriageway Bailey Bridge in the Kilinochchi District of the Northern Province, an area that suffered severely from Cyclone Ditwah.

"We jointly inaugurated a 120-foot dual carriageway Bailey Bridge in the Kilinochchi District, one of the hardest-hit areas by Cyclone Ditwah, in the presence of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The 110-tonne bridge was airlifted from India and installed as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu," EAM Jaishankar noted on X.

The External Affairs Minister arrived in Colombo on Monday, greeted warmly by Sri Lankan Deputy Tourism Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe. His visit signifies India's Neighbourhood First Policy and aligns with Operation Sagar Bandhu, initiated to tackle the devastation brought about by Cyclone Ditwah, according to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).