Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed deep sorrow over the devastating impact of Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka, which has claimed at least 56 lives and left 21 people missing.
Speaking on social media platform X, he conveyed his “heartfelt condolences to the people of Sri Lanka who have lost their loved ones” and prayed for the “safety, comfort, and swift recovery of all affected families.”
In line with India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and “Vision MAHASAGAR” maritime strategy, the government swiftly launched Operation Sagar Bandhu—a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission—to support the cyclone-ravaged island nation.
“In solidarity with our closest maritime neighbour, India has urgently dispatched relief materials and vital HADR support under Operation Sagar Bandhu. We stand ready to provide more aid and assistance as the situation evolves,” PM Modi said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar confirmed that Indian naval vessels INS Vikrant and INS Udaigiri delivered aid at Colombo port, while Indian Coast Guard ships and helicopters remain on standby for aerial rescue operations.
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has called for collective efforts to distribute relief, with the government declaring a public holiday and allocating Rs 1.2 billion for disaster response.
Cyclone Ditwah battered 20 of Sri Lanka’s 25 districts, causing landslides and flooding over 12,000 families. Hundreds of homes were damaged or destroyed, schools and government offices closed, and more than 43,000 people evacuated to shelters.
As per reports, Brigadier S Dharmawickrema of Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre said, “We are continuing rescue operations in the worst-hit areas… we are doing our best to get everyone to safety.”
Indian officials reiterated India’s steadfast support for Sri Lanka during its time of crisis, recalling the USD5 billion aid extended during Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic turmoil. Modi’s swift response and Operation Sagar Bandhu underscore the close bonds and enduring friendship between the two nations.