In a significant move underscoring its role as a first responder in the region, India has announced a substantial assistance package worth $450 million to support Sri Lanka's recovery from the devastating Cyclone Ditwah. The announcement was made by External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar during his visit to Colombo as a special envoy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
A Comprehensive Reconstruction Package
During his meetings with Sri Lankan leadership, including President Anura Kumara Disanayake, Minister Jaishankar detailed the components of the proposed aid. The package is strategically structured to provide both immediate relief and long-term rebuilding support. The total $450 million commitment comprises $350 million in concessional lines of credit and $100 million in outright grants. This dual approach aims to ease financial pressure on Sri Lanka while ensuring critical projects are funded.
Jaishankar emphasized the urgency of the initiative, stating that discussions with the Sri Lankan government centered on creating an effective coordination mechanism for the swiftest possible delivery of assistance. The goal is to mitigate the cyclone's impact on the people of Sri Lanka in the shortest time frame.
Focus on Critical Sectors
The Indian assistance will be directed towards sectors that bore the brunt of Cyclone Ditwah's fury. The comprehensive plan covers several key areas of rehabilitation:
- Restoration of vital connectivity infrastructure, including roads, railways, and bridges.
- Support for the construction of houses for those displaced by the disaster.
- Rebuilding and strengthening health and education systems damaged in the cyclone.
- Revival of the agricultural sector, which is crucial for food security and livelihoods.
- Enhancing Sri Lanka's own disaster response capabilities for future events.
Beyond immediate reconstruction, Jaishankar also promised Indian support to boost Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and tourism from India into Sri Lanka, signaling a partnership aimed at broader economic recovery.
Operation Sagar Bandhu: The Immediate Response
Minister Jaishankar recalled that India's humanitarian mission, Operation Sagar Bandhu, was activated on the very day Cyclone Ditwah made landfall. This rapid response initiative demonstrated India's commitment to its neighbour in times of crisis.
The operation delivered a massive quantity of emergency relief materials to the affected population. Overall, more than 1,100 tonnes of supplies were provided, including essential items like dry rations, tents, tarpaulins, hygiene kits, clothing, and water purification kits. Critically, the mission also supplied approximately 14.5 tonnes of medicines and medical equipment, along with an additional 60 tonnes of specialized equipment to assist in ongoing relief operations.
This new $450 million reconstruction package builds directly upon the foundations laid by Operation Sagar Bandhu, transitioning from emergency relief to sustainable rebuilding and development.
