Colombo

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Colombo on Monday evening, where he was welcomed by Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ruwan Ranasinghe. The visit comes against the backdrop of India’s ongoing humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu following the damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

Sharing an update on social media platform X, Jaishankar said he would hold meetings with Sri Lankan leaders on Tuesday. He thanked the Deputy Tourism Minister for the warm reception and expressed anticipation for his engagements with the country’s leadership.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the visit reflects India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and is taking place while relief and recovery efforts continue under Operation Sagar Bandhu, which was launched to support Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the cyclone.

The MEA said Jaishankar’s engagements are expected to further deepen bilateral ties, as India continues to coordinate humanitarian aid and strengthen cooperation with Sri Lanka during its recovery phase.

India has extended extensive support to Sri Lanka since Cyclone Ditwah struck, providing relief material and assistance to affected communities. As part of these efforts, the Assistant High Commission of India in Kandy recently distributed dry ration packets to 86 families impacted by the cyclone in Badulla district.

In a post on X, the Assistant High Commission said the relief distribution was carried out in the presence of local Members of Parliament and officials, reaffirming India’s commitment to stand with Sri Lanka and its people as they rebuild.

In addition to civilian relief, the Indian Army’s 60 Parachute Field Hospital played a key role in disaster response. The Sri Lankan Army formally commended the unit on December 14 for its humanitarian service following the cyclone.

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An 85-member medical team from the Indian Army Medical Services, led by Lieutenant Colonel Jagneet Gill, was deployed to the cyclone-hit Mahiyanganaya area in Uva Province from December 2 to 12. During this period, the team provided medical, surgical and dental care to more than 7,000 affected civilians, the statement said.