Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday spoke with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and conveyed his condolences over the loss of lives and extensive damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka.
According to official figures, the cyclone has claimed 355 lives, while 366 people remain missing.
During the conversation, PM Modi said that the people of India stand firmly with Sri Lanka during this difficult time. He also assured India’s continued support as the country deals with the aftermath of the disaster.
President Dissanayake expressed his gratitude for India’s swift assistance, including the deployment of rescue teams and urgent relief supplies. He acknowledged India’s timely response and conveyed the appreciation of the Sri Lankan people.
PM Modi reaffirmed that India will continue its support under Operation Sagar Bandhu, which focuses on rescue and relief measures. He added that India, guided by its Vision MAHASAGAR and its role as the region’s “First Responder,” will extend all possible help as Sri Lanka begins rehabilitation efforts, restores essential services, and works to rebuild livelihoods in the affected regions.
Both leaders agreed to remain in close touch as relief and recovery operations progress.
India moved quickly to assist Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah. Two Indian Navy ships docked in Colombo delivered 9.5 tonnes of emergency food supplies. Three Indian Air Force aircraft transported an additional 31.5 tonnes of relief material, including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, ready-to-eat meals, medicines, surgical equipment, two BHISHM cubes, a five-member medical team for on-site guidance, and 80 specialised National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel for rescue operations. Another 12 tonnes of supplies were sent aboard the Indian Navy Ship Sukanya. In total, India has provided 53 tonnes of relief material so far.
In coordination with the Sri Lankan Air Force, Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant and MI-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force carried out extensive rescue missions. They airlifted stranded individuals, including pregnant women, infants, and the critically injured. The rescued included citizens of Sri Lanka, India, Germany, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Poland, Belarus, Iran, Australia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. NDRF teams continue search-and-rescue operations in severely affected and remote regions, assisting flood-hit families and ensuring their safety. More than 150 people have been rescued or assisted so far.
India has also evacuated its citizens stranded in Sri Lanka due to the cyclone. Over 2,000 Indians have already been brought home through special Indian Air Force flights and commercial services.