India Extends Swift Humanitarian Support to Sri Lanka Under Operation Sagar Bandhu

New Delhi, Nov 29: Sri Lanka has expressed deep appreciation for India’s prompt and continued humanitarian assistance in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah, which has claimed several lives and displaced thousands across the island nation. On Saturday, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath publicly conveyed his gratitude to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for the relief materials dispatched as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu, India’s dedicated humanitarian outreach initiative.

“Thank you, my friend, S. Jaishankar, for the assistance at this hard time,” Herath wrote on X, acknowledging the timely support at a moment of national distress.

Former Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Mohamed Uvais Mohamed Ali Sabry also lauded India’s rapid response. In his message, he not only praised the cyclone relief effort but also recalled India’s role during Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic crisis — a period marked by acute shortages and economic turbulence. “Thank you, India, for the urgent cyclone relief sent under Operation Sagar Bandhu. Sri Lanka remembers with gratitude the crucial support you extended during the 2022 economic crisis. Your friendship continues to make a meaningful difference,” Sabry stated.

India’s relief mission continued on Saturday with the arrival of an Indian Air Force C-130J transport aircraft in Colombo, carrying nearly 12 tonnes of essential humanitarian supplies. The consignment comprised tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat food packets — items identified as critical for families displaced by the cyclone’s widespread destruction. Cyclone Ditwah has left several regions devastated, making immediate shelter and food relief a top priority for authorities.

Sharing visuals of the aircraft’s arrival, EAM Jaishankar posted, “Operation Sagar Bandhu unfolds,” reaffirming New Delhi’s commitment to supporting its neighbour during natural calamities.

This airlift followed another significant assistance effort on Friday. Under the same operation, the Indian Navy deployed INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri to Colombo with 4.5 tonnes of dry rations, two tonnes of fresh food supplies, and several other urgently needed relief items. These deliveries were coordinated as part of India’s broader Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) framework, which has been activated across the region during crises.

The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka reiterated that these efforts reflect India’s steadfast adherence to its Neighbourhood First policy, prioritising support for regional partners in times of need. “In this challenging moment, India stands firmly with the people of Sri Lanka, reaffirming its unwavering commitment,” the mission stated.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the loss of lives and damage caused by the cyclone. He emphasised that India’s relief response under Operation Sagar Bandhu aims to provide immediate support to affected communities and help Sri Lanka recover from this natural disaster.

Through rapid mobilisation of air and naval assets, coordinated relief missions, and continued diplomatic outreach, India has demonstrated its readiness to assist Sri Lanka during this humanitarian crisis — strengthening bilateral ties and reinforcing a partnership rooted in mutual trust and regional solidarity.