External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar met leaders of the Indian origin Tamil community in Colombo on Tuesday during his visit to Sri Lanka.
“Met in Colombo the leaders of the Indian Origin Tamil community. They shared their assessment of the damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah. Highlighted our proposed reconstruction package,” EAM Jaishankar posted on X.
The External Affairs Minister also interacted with Sri Lankan Tamil leaders in Colombo and underlined India’s commitment to reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts in the island nation following Cyclone Ditwah.
“Interacted with Sri Lankan Tamil leaders this afternoon. Underlined our commitment and efforts towards post-Ditwah reconstruction and rehabilitation,” he wrote in another post.
Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka’s Leader of the Opposition and leader of the opposition coalition Samagi Jana Balawegaya, Sajith Premadasa, called on visiting EAM Jaishankar in Colombo and thanked India for its support in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah.
“In difficult times, true neighbours always come forward. Thank you Dr S. Jaishankar for India’s support to Sri Lanka when it mattered most. May we always choose to stand together as the best of neighbours,” Premadasa posted on X after the meeting.
EAM Jaishankar appreciated the interaction with the Sri Lankan Leader of the Opposition, noting that they discussed India’s proposed reconstruction package following the cyclone.
“Appreciate the meeting with Sajith Premadasa, Leader of Opposition of Sri Lanka, in Colombo today. Discussed India’s proposed reconstruction package in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah,” he said.
The External Affairs Minister also met members of the Indian business community based in Sri Lanka and acknowledged their relief efforts during the cyclone.
“Nice to interact with members of the Indian business community based in Sri Lanka. Applaud their contributions towards providing relief during Cyclone Ditwah,” he posted.
During meetings with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, Labour and Deputy Finance Minister Anil Jayantha, and Deputy Tourism Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe, EAM Jaishankar reiterated India’s full support for Sri Lanka’s recovery and rebuilding efforts.
“Delighted to meet Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath along with Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, Labour and Deputy Finance Minister Anil Jayantha, and Deputy Tourism Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe this afternoon,” he posted on X.
“Reiterated India’s full support to Sri Lanka’s recovery and rebuilding in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. Discussed implementation of the reconstruction package offered and further relief measures,” he added.
EAM Jaishankar also met Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya in Colombo and assured India’s steadfast commitment to the country’s rebuilding efforts following the cyclone. He later called on Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message of solidarity.
“Pleased to call on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo today. Conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s warm wishes and message of solidarity in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah,” the EAM posted.
He announced a USD 450 million reconstruction package for Sri Lanka, covering rehabilitation and restoration of road, railway and bridge connectivity; construction of houses that were fully destroyed or partially damaged; support for the health and education sectors; agricultural assistance to address short- and medium-term shortages; and measures to strengthen disaster response and preparedness.
“Building on our First Responder activity under Operation Sagar Bandhu, India will commit to a reconstruction package of USD 450 million to Sri Lanka,” he said.
During the visit, EAM Jaishankar and Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath jointly inaugurated a 120-foot dual-carriageway Bailey Bridge in the Kilinochchi district of Sri Lanka’s Northern Province, one of the areas severely affected by Cyclone Ditwah.
“Jointly inaugurated with FM Vijitha Herath, in the presence of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, a 120-foot dual carriageway Bailey Bridge in the Kilinochchi district of Northern Province. The 110-tonne bridge was airlifted from India and installed as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu,” he posted.
— IANS
