Colombo [Sri Lanka], December 23 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday held a series of high-level engagements in Sri Lanka, meeting political leaders and Tamil community representatives to discuss India’s proposed relief, reconstruction and rehabilitation support in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah.
Jaishankar met Sri Lankan Tamil leaders, the Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa, and representatives of the Indian-origin Tamil community, underscoring India’s commitment to stand with Sri Lanka during what he described as a challenging period following the devastation caused by the cyclone.
In a post on X after meeting Sri Lankan Tamil leaders, Jaishankar said, “Interacted with Sri Lankan Tamil leaders this afternoon. Underlined our commitment and efforts towards post-Ditwah reconstruction and rehabilitation.” Later, following discussions with the Indian-origin Tamil community, he noted that they had shared their assessment of the damage caused by the cyclone and that he had highlighted India’s proposed reconstruction package.
Jaishankar also held talks with Sajith Premadasa, Leader of Opposition of Sri Lanka, to discuss India’s planned reconstruction assistance. “Appreciate the meeting with Sajith Premadasa, Leader of Opposition of Sri Lanka, in Colombo today. Discussed India’s proposed reconstruction package in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah,” he said in another post.
Earlier in the day, addressing the media alongside Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Jaishankar said that India was prioritising the fastest possible delivery of aid, given the scale of damage caused by the cyclone. “We are conscious that work towards mitigating the impact of Cyclone Ditwah on the people of Sri Lanka must be done in the quickest time possible. We are discussing an effective coordination mechanism for the earliest possible delivery,” he said.
Highlighting immediate relief measures, Jaishankar said restoring connectivity was a top priority. He noted that following discussions between Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indian Army engineers had erected a Bailey bridge at Killinochchi, transported by C-17 aircraft. Another Bailey bridge at Chilaw is currently under construction.
He further detailed India’s relief efforts under Operation Sagar Bandhu, which has delivered over 1,100 tonnes of relief material, including dry rations, tents, tarpaulins, hygiene kits, essential clothing and water purification kits. In addition, around 14.5 tonnes of medicines and medical equipment have been provided, along with another 60 tonnes of equipment to support relief operations.
Jaishankar announced that India has proposed a comprehensive assistance package worth USD 450 million, comprising USD 350 million in concessional Lines of Credit and USD 100 million in grants. The package is being finalised in close consultation with the Sri Lankan government and will cover rehabilitation and restoration of road, railway and bridge connectivity, housing for fully and partially damaged homes, support for health and education systems, agriculture to address short- and medium-term shortages, and measures to strengthen disaster response and preparedness.
Beyond immediate relief, Jaishankar said India would continue to support Sri Lanka’s economic recovery by encouraging tourism from India and increasing foreign direct investment. “You are a significant tourism economy, and we will continue to encourage tourism traffic from India. Similarly, an increase in Foreign Direct Investment from India can also boost your economy at a critical time,” he said.
Acknowledging Sri Lanka’s resilience, Jaishankar added, “Just as it was recovering from the economic crisis of 2022, this natural disaster has created new difficulties. I can assure you that India stands firmly with Sri Lanka more than ever before, and I am sure that Sri Lanka will once again demonstrate its great resilience in recovering from this adversity.” (ANI)
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