Colombo

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Wednesday expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India’s timely assistance following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, describing the support as a sign of the close and enduring relationship between the two countries.

In a post on X, Dissanayake wrote, “I convey my sincere thanks to Prime Minister @narendramodi for his message and for India’s unwavering support to Sri Lanka in the wake of the recent adverse weather.” His remarks came as Indian teams continued relief and rescue efforts on the ground.

I express my sincere appreciation to Prime Minister @narendramodi for his message and for India’s steadfast support to Sri Lanka following the recent adverse weather. India’s prompt assistance under the SAGAR-BANDHU initiative underscores the depth of our partnership and the…

— Anura Kumara Dissanayake (@anuradisanayake) December 3, 2025

Acknowledging India’s prompt humanitarian response, he added that the assistance provided under the SAGAR-BANDHU initiative highlights the strength of the bilateral partnership and the goodwill shared between both nations. The President said that cooperation during disasters has consistently reinforced ties between New Delhi and Colombo.

India has been extending humanitarian relief to Sri Lanka through Operation Sagar Bandhu, an initiative aimed at providing emergency support and strengthening regional cooperation in times of crisis.

Cyclone Ditwah has triggered extensive flooding, landslides and severe rainfall across several districts in Sri Lanka, causing major destruction. Responding swiftly, India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to deliver essential supplies such as food, medicines, tents and other emergency materials to affected areas.

According to officials, the first Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft landed in Colombo carrying around 12 tonnes of humanitarian aid. The Indian High Commission said the supplies were handed over to Sri Lankan authorities for immediate distribution in disaster-hit regions. Indian Navy helicopters have also been deployed to assist rescue teams and evacuate stranded residents.

Additional aircraft and naval assets have been kept ready by India to scale up assistance if required. Coordination between leaders of the two countries is ongoing, with PM Modi assuring President Dissanayake of India’s continued support during the crisis.

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Operation Sagar Bandhu reflects India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and its long-standing commitment to humanitarian cooperation with Sri Lanka. More relief consignments are expected in the coming days as rescue and recovery efforts continue.