India Announces $450M Aid Package for Cyclone Ditwah-Hit Sri Lanka
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar met Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya in Colombo today and assured India's commitment that it will not waver to the rebuilding of Sri Lanka after the cyclone Ditwah.
Aadrika Tayal 
New Delhi (India) December 23: India is going to provide 450 million dollars in a package for the reconstruction of the villages ravaged by the cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka. This announcement was made by the External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, in a conference to be held at Colombo.
He stated that the package included a 350 million concessionary line of credit and 100 million dollars in grants that will help to rebuild the regions hit by the cyclone.
Tweet Highlights India's Solidarity and PM Modi's Message
Dr. Jaishankar, in a tweet, mentioned that he conveyed to the Sri Lankan side that India is ready to give all possible help during the recovery and rebuilding after Cyclone Ditwah. They also discussed the implementation of the reconstruction package offered and the provision of further relief.
“Pleased to call on H.E President @anuradisanayake in Colombo today.
Conveyed Prime Minister @narendramodi’s warm wishes and message of solidarity in aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah,” said Jaishankar on social media platform X.
India has pledged its assistance to the sectors of Sri Lanka that were most severely impacted by the cyclone. The assistance will include rehabilitating and restoring road, railway and bridge connections, as well as supporting the reconstruction of houses that were totally destroyed or damaged.
Neighbourhood First: Recalling Operation Sagar Bandhu
As stated by Dr. Jaishankar, when Cyclone resulted in a crisis for Sri Lanka, India acted in a way consistent with its Neighbourhood First policy and its Mahasagar policy.
During Operation Sagar Bandhu, India provided relief materials to Sri Lanka including approximately 1100 tonnes of goods, large quantities of medicines and medical equipment.
The Indian Minister of External Affairs also stated that during the difficult period of Sri Lanka, India would continue to promote tourism to Sri Lanka which will help to expand the economy of the country by supporting foreign investment.
Sri Lankan Praise for Indian Support
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath of Sri Lanka said that the visit of Minister Jaishankar to Colombo exemplifies the absolute closeness and permanence of ties between Sri Lanka and India.
Minister Herath, speaking at a press conference with Minister Jaishankar, said India’s support of Sri Lanka was the best response for a natural disaster.
In addition to this support, the role of India as a first responder in times of crisis was further demonstrated through its launch of Operation Sagar Bandhu.
Engagements with Leaders, Business
Afterwards, Dr Jaishankar also had a word with the Indian Business community members who are residing in Sri Lanka and lauded their works for relief provision during the period of the cyclone Ditwah.
The Minister also met the Leader of Opposition of Sri Lanka, Sajith Premadasa, and the conversation was about India's reconstruction package, which was proposed, after the cyclone Ditwah.
