Colombo [Sri Lanka], December 14 (ANI): The Indian Army has intensified efforts to restore connectivity in Sri Lanka, with its Engineer Task Force working in coordination with the Sri Lankan Army and the Sri Lankan Road Development Authority, according to an official statement.
Preparatory work has begun at the Chilaw and Kilinochchi bridge sites in Jaffna for the installation of Bailey bridges. The Indian Army said the damaged bridge at Kilinochchi has been completely de-launched, and preparations are underway for the launch of a Bailey bridge to restore road connectivity in the area.
The Indian Army continues to assist in rescue and relief operations following Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka.
Earlier, Sri Lankan Army Commander Lt. Gen. BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo visited the Chilaw bridge site and appreciated the challenging tasks being carried out in difficult weather conditions by Indian Army engineers, along with personnel from the Sri Lankan Road Development Authority.
An Engineer Task Force comprising 48 Indian Army personnel was airlifted and inducted on a war footing to provide critical engineering support. The primary focus of the task force is the restoration of vital lines of communication, including the repair and construction of damaged roads and bridges.
The team includes specialized bridging experts, surveyors, and watermanship specialists, along with personnel skilled in operating heavy earth-moving equipment, drones, and unmanned systems, enabling the delivery of precise and effective engineering support.
The Engineer Task Force is currently holding four sets of Bailey bridges, airlifted by Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft, for the restoration of disrupted connectivity. In addition, the task force is equipped with pneumatic boats, outboard motors, HESCO bags, and next-generation equipment such as heavy-payload drones and remotely controlled boats.
Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, the Indian Army has also provided extensive medical assistance to affected citizens in Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah, helping more than 5,000 patients.
Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Friday met Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner Mahishini Colonne and handed over part of a consignment of essential life-saving medicines, reiterating India’s commitment to continue supporting its neighbor in recovery and reconstruction efforts after the devastating cyclone.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the full consignment of medicines will be airlifted to Colombo by the Indian Air Force, as part of the ongoing medical assistance being provided under Operation Sagar Bandhu.
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