Colombo, Sri Lanka, December 22 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar landed in Colombo on Monday evening and was received by Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe upon arrival. His visit comes amid ongoing relief efforts under Operation Sagar Bandhu, launched to assist Sri Lanka after the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
In a post on X, Jaishankar said he would meet Sri Lankan leadership on Tuesday. “Landed in Colombo this evening. Thank Deputy @TourismMin Ruwan Ranasinghe for the warm reception. Look forward to my meetings with Sri Lankan leadership tomorrow,” he wrote.
The Ministry of External Affairs said the visit highlights India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and underscores ongoing humanitarian assistance under Operation Sagar Bandhu. Jaishankar’s engagements are expected to further strengthen ties between the two countries as India continues to coordinate relief efforts and reinforce bilateral cooperation during Sri Lanka’s recovery.
India has extended strong support by providing relief and assistance in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. As part of this humanitarian outreach, the Assistant High Commission of India in Kandy, under Operation Sagar Bandhu, distributed dry ration packets to 86 families affected by the cyclone last week.
In a post on X, the AHC said, “As part of India’s continued assistance to Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu, AHC Saranya VS distributed dry ration packets to 86 Cyclone Ditwah-affected families of Dickwella estate in Badulla District, in the presence of Hon. Members of Parliament Kitnan Selvaraj and Ambika Samuel, along with local officials and estate management. India continues to support Sri Lanka and its people as they rebuild and move forward.”
The disaster relief medical assistance provided by the Indian Army’s 60 Parachute Field Hospital in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah was formally commended on December 14, 2025, at the Army Cantonment, Panagoda, recognizing its exceptional humanitarian impact and professional excellence, a statement by the Sri Lankan Army said.
An 85-member medical team from the Indian Army Medical Services, led by Lieutenant Colonel Jagneet Gill, was deployed to the cyclone-affected Mahiyanganaya area in Sri Lanka’s Uva Province from December 2 to December 12, 2025. During this period, the team provided comprehensive medical, surgical, and dental care to over 7,000 civilians affected by the natural disaster.
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