Kandy [Sri Lanka], January 4: The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka on Sunday announced that Indian Army Engineers have begun launching a 100-foot Bailey Bridge in Kandy to restore connectivity in the region. The work is part of India’s Operation Sagar Bandhu, aimed at assisting Sri Lanka in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which caused widespread destruction across the country. The High Commission added that additional projects to support the Sri Lankan Road Development Authority are also underway.
“Operation Sagar Bandhu continues reconnecting vital roads destroyed in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah. Engineers have commenced launching of the 100-foot Bailey Bridge at KM-21, Kandy, to restore connectivity on B-492 Highway. Other works to assist the Sri Lankan Road Development Authority are also ongoing,” the High Commission said.
In December, during a visit to Sri Lanka, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced that India proposed a comprehensive USD 450 million assistance package to support the country’s reconstruction efforts following Cyclone Ditwah. Speaking in Colombo as a special envoy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jaishankar emphasized India’s commitment to its neighbor during this challenging period. “The letter from PM Modi that I handed over builds on our first responder role and commits a reconstruction package of USD 450 million to Sri Lanka,” he said.
Jaishankar outlined the scale of initial relief efforts, noting that the operation had delivered around 1,100 tonnes of relief material and approximately 14.5 tonnes of medicines and medical equipment. Highlighting ongoing engagement, he added that PM Modi directed officials to work closely with the Sri Lankan government to address rebuilding priorities.
The proposed assistance package, valued at USD 450 million, includes USD 350 million in a concessional line of credit and USD 100 million in grants. The package is being finalized in close consultation with the Sri Lankan government to ensure funds are allocated to critical infrastructure and recovery needs.
During his visit, Jaishankar held separate meetings with Sri Lankan President, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, and Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa. Sri Lankan Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath expressed gratitude to India for the assistance, hailing Operation Sagar Bandhu. He noted that India has provided USD 4 billion in assistance through lines of credit to support Colombo’s economy and highlighted additional emergency support, including USD 20.66 million to settle payments for projects under existing credit lines.
Operation Sagar Bandhu, launched to provide humanitarian aid to people affected by Cyclone Ditwah, has delivered relief supplies and facilitated the restoration of essential connectivity in Sri Lanka. (ANI)
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