Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a telephone conversation with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and expressed his heartfelt condolences over the loss of lives and widespread devastation in the island nation following Cyclone Ditwah.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), PM Modi conveyed that the people of India stand in firm solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka in this hour of need.
“President Dissanayake conveyed his deep gratitude for India’s assistance in the wake of the disaster and appreciated the swift deployment of rescue teams and relief material. He also conveyed the appreciation of the people of Sri Lanka for India’s timely and effective response efforts,” the PMO said in a statement.
PM Modi assured President Dissanayake of India’s continued support to Sri Lanka under the ongoing Operation Sagar Bandhu, which is providing rescue and relief to affected persons.
He reaffirmed that India, in line with its Vision MAHASAGAR and its established role as the ‘First Responder’, will continue to extend all necessary assistance in the coming days as Sri Lanka undertakes rehabilitation efforts, resumes public services, and works to restore livelihoods across impacted regions.
“The two leaders agreed to remain in close touch,” the statement added.