Colombo (Sri Lanka)

Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, on Friday visited several regions impacted by Cyclone Ditwah, reviewing the ongoing rescue, relief, and rehabilitation measures being carried out by local authorities. During his visit, he was briefed on ground-level operations aimed at restoring normalcy in the affected areas.

 

According to a series of posts shared by the Indian High Commission on X, the visit was conducted under Operation Sagar Bandhu, India’s humanitarian outreach initiative for Sri Lanka. The High Commissioner travelled to Nelummala village in Udattawa, Central Province, one of the worst-hit locations where 31 people lost their lives due to the cyclone. He expressed condolences to the bereaved families and interacted with officials overseeing relief and recovery efforts.

 

The High Commission noted that Operation Sagar Bandhu reflects India’s continued commitment as it transitions from immediate relief to long-term rehabilitation and reconstruction support. As part of his visit, Santosh Jha also paid courtesy calls on the Most Venerable Mahanayake Theros of the Malwatte and Asgiriya Chapters, briefing them on India’s assistance to Sri Lanka in the wake of the disaster. He also sought their blessings for India’s continued engagement in the recovery phase across the island.

 

Earlier, the High Commission announced that the Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT) has contributed LKR 100 million towards Sri Lanka’s rebuilding efforts following the cyclone. India has been maintaining extensive humanitarian engagement, including disaster response, engineering support, and medical assistance.

 

On the ground, cooperation between Indian and Sri Lankan forces continues. Sri Lankan Army Commander Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo visited the Chilaw Bridge site, commending the efforts of Indian Army Engineers working alongside Sri Lankan authorities under difficult weather conditions. An Indian Army Engineer Task Force, comprising 48 personnel, has been deployed to restore damaged roads and bridges, including the Kilinochchi Bridge in Jaffna.

 

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The task force is equipped with Bailey bridges, heavy machinery, drones, and rescue equipment, while Indian medical teams have treated over 5,000 patients. Additionally, India has supplied essential life-saving medicines, reaffirming its commitment under the Neighbourhood First policy to support Sri Lanka’s recovery after Cyclone Ditwah.