Colombo, Dec 9 (NationPress) During India's ongoing humanitarian mission dubbed Operation Sagar Bandhu, the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Gharial has successfully delivered 700 tonnes of food, essential supplies, and clothing from Tamil Nadu to Trincomalee, Sri Lanka. The shipment was officially received by Sri Lanka's Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra, who conveyed his gratitude for India's prompt support.

Hemachandra articulated his appreciation for India's aid, which includes not just essential supplies but also technical assistance.

In a statement to the press, Arun Hemachandra remarked, "I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Indian government and its people, particularly under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Operation Sagar Bandhu is in full swing, and we are incredibly grateful for the vital contributions coming to Sri Lanka. We appreciate all the essential goods, technical help, and immediate support from the Indian military, government, and citizens."

"Operation Sagar Bandhu aims to ensure that critical supplies are delivered to communities in need. The 700 tonnes of food, essentials, and clothing transported from Tamil Nadu to Trincomalee via INS Gharial significantly aids regions affected by Cyclone Ditwah. The Deputy Foreign Minister, Hon. Arun Hemachandra, acknowledged India's rapid and ongoing assistance," reported the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka on X.

Initiated on November 28, Operation Sagar Bandhu aims to deliver essential search and rescue and humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka following the devastation wrought by Cyclone Ditwah, which has resulted in severe flooding, landslides, loss of life, and widespread disruption across the country.

According to local media, Daily Mirror, at least 627 lives have been lost, and 190 individuals remain unaccounted for due to the adverse weather conditions that have recently impacted Sri Lanka. Moreover, 2,179,138 individuals from 611,530 families have been affected.

Sri Lanka's Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Sunil Senevi, reported on Tuesday that approximately 764 religious sites, including Buddhist temples, churches, and mosques, have suffered partial or complete damage due to Cyclone Ditwah. During a press briefing, Senevi noted that 379 Buddhist temples, 165 Hindu Kovils, 63 Catholic Churches, and 157 Mosques have been impacted in Sri Lanka.

On Monday, the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka announced that the Indian Army's Engineering Task Force is collaborating with Sri Lankan officials to restore key road connections following the destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

"The Indian Army's Engineering Task Force is cooperating with Sri Lankan authorities to re-establish connectivity along the main roadways affected by the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. Restoration efforts include the removal of damaged structures and the construction of a Bailey Bridge in Kilinochchi on the A35 route. The necessary bridge components were airlifted to Sri Lanka via IAF C17 aircraft to facilitate connectivity restoration," the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka reported on X.

Additionally, the Indian field hospital in Mahiyanganaya continues to provide necessary medical assistance to those affected by the floods.

In a recent statement on X, the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka shared, "The operational Indian field hospital in Mahiyanganaya, located near Kandy, is delivering life-saving medical care to flood-affected populations. Equipped for trauma care, surgeries, ambulance services, and critical healthcare, this facility ensures that urgent medical attention reaches those in dire need."