Colombo

Indian Naval Ship Gharial arrived in Colombo on Wednesday carrying 10 Bailey Bridges to support Sri Lanka’s post-cyclone reconstruction efforts following Cyclone Ditwah.

The delivery follows the inauguration of a Bailey Bridge by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in December 2025, underscoring India’s continued assistance in restoring critical infrastructure in the island nation.

The modular Bailey Bridges are expected to play a crucial role in the rapid restoration of damaged road connectivity, facilitating civilian movement and enabling the smooth conduct of relief and rehabilitation operations in cyclone-affected areas.

Cyclone Ditwah caused extensive damage to roads and transport networks, severely hampering mobility and emergency response efforts. The bridges will help re-establish vital links, ensuring timely access for emergency services and humanitarian aid to the worst-hit regions.

The humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) mission is part of India’s USD 450 million Special Economic Package, announced earlier by Jaishankar, and aligns with the broader regional cooperation framework under Operation Sagar Bandhu.

The deployment highlights the Indian Navy’s role as a first responder and reliable partner in the Indian Ocean Region, reinforcing India’s commitment to supporting its maritime neighbours during natural disasters.

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India’s swift assistance reflects its long-standing policy of regional cooperation and solidarity, particularly during times of humanitarian crises, the officials said.