Colombo, Dec 9 (NationPress) In the ongoing Operation Sagar Bandhu, the Indian Army is providing continuous humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. This effort includes essential engineering services and superior medical care, executed in close collaboration with the Sri Lankan Army and local authorities.

The Engineer Task Force (ETF) of the Indian Army has initiated the retrieval and de-launching operations for the compromised Puliyampokkanai Bridge located in Jaffna.

To assist the Sri Lanka Road Development Authority (RDA), the Indian Army has dispatched a wheeled excavator for the de-launching of the bridge panels.

According to officials, the operation is advancing steadily and is anticipated to conclude by Wednesday, with the first Bailey bridge launch scheduled for the afternoon of December 13.

In order to support the establishment of a 120-ft dual carriageway in Jaffna, approximately 70% of the necessary materials have already been transported from the RDA Store Yard, with the remaining supplies expected to arrive by Wednesday evening.

In Chilaw, the RDA plans to commence pier construction within the next 48 hours, having already received one complete set of the Bailey bridge, thereby augmenting the restoration efforts.

Simultaneously, the loading of the fourth set of the Bailey Bridge is currently happening at Pathankot.

Demonstrating the ethos of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the Indian Army’s commitment to modernization, the Engineer Task Force has incorporated indigenous drones, SONAR-based Laser Range Finders (LRFs), Remotely Operated Combat Cruiser Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), and other state-of-the-art equipment for comprehensive reconnaissance of bridge sites in both Jaffna and Chilaw, significantly enhancing operational efficiency.

Concurrently, the PARA Field Hospital has been delivering extensive medical support, having already treated 3,338 patients.

On just Monday, the facility attended to 1,128 patients, performed 73 minor procedures, and executed four surgeries.

The hospital has garnered positive feedback from local communities, and a visit from the Sri Lankan President is anticipated soon.

“Through our synchronized engineering efforts, impactful medical interventions, and the deployment of advanced indigenous technology, the Indian Army reaffirms its dedication to Neighbourhood First, ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, and humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka in this critical period,” stated the force.