Visiting Indian Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar met Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo on Monday, conveying Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s warm wishes and message of solidarity in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah.
In a statement on ‘X’, Minister Jaishankar said, during the meeting, that India will extend a comprehensive reconstruction package worth USD 450 million to Sri Lanka, building on its First Responder role under Operation Sagar Bandhu.
“The package will cover rehabilitation and restoration of road, railway, and bridge connectivity; construction of houses fully destroyed or partially damaged; support for health and education sectors affected by the cyclone; assistance to agriculture to address potential short- and medium-term shortages; and measures to strengthen disaster response and preparedness,” he revealed.
Highlighting India’s commitment, Minister Jaishankar said the initiative reflects the deep civilisational ties between the two nations and underscores India’s firm support for Sri Lanka during this challenging period. (Newswire)