India aid to Sri Lanka reached a new level on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced a USD 450 million reconstruction package. The commitment followed Cyclone Ditwah, which devastated the island nation in late November. Jaishankar visited Colombo as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s special envoy and delivered the pledge directly to President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
The package includes USD 350 million in concessional lines of credit and USD 100 million in grants. It targets the urgent rebuilding needs following the cyclone, which caused widespread flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage.
Cyclone Ditwah India Aid Builds on Immediate Response
Cyclone Ditwah India aid extends earlier emergency efforts under Operation Sagar Bandhu. India launched the operation on the day the cyclone made landfall on November 28. Naval ships, including INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri, delivered initial relief supplies. Indian Air Force helicopters conducted rescues. An 80-member National Disaster Response Force team was deployed for search operations.
Operation Sagar Bandhu supplied over 1,100 tonnes of relief material. Items included dry rations, tents, tarpaulins, hygiene kits, clothing, and water purification units. India provided 14.5 tonnes of medicines and medical equipment. An additional 60 tonnes of support gear arrived.
The Indian Army set up a field hospital near Kandy. It treated over 8,000 patients. Two modular BHISHM emergency care units were airlifted to the affected areas. Engineer teams installed Bailey bridges to restore connectivity.
Jaishankar and Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath jointly inaugurated a 120-foot dual carriageway Bailey Bridge in Kilinochchi. The 110-tonne structure airlifted from India aided the northern province’s recovery.
India Reconstruction Package Sri Lanka Targets Key Sectors
The India reconstruction package for Sri Lanka targets the areas most severely affected. Assistance focuses on the rehabilitation of roads, railways, and bridges. It supports rebuilding fully or partially damaged houses.
Health facilities receive restoration aid. Damaged education systems get priority funding. Agriculture support tackles short- and medium-term shortages. The package strengthens disaster response and preparedness mechanisms.
Both governments finalise details in close consultation. They establish coordination for rapid delivery. Jaishankar stressed the need for quick action to mitigate the impact of the cyclone.
Sri Lanka faces recovery challenges after emerging from the 2022 economic crisis. Cyclone Ditwah compounded difficulties. The estimated damage reaches USD 4.1 billion, according to a World Bank assessment. The storm affected nearly 2 million people across all 25 districts.
Operation Sagar Bandhu Demonstrates Neighbourhood First Policy
Operation Sagar Bandhu reflects India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘MAHASAGAR’ policies. As the closest maritime neighbour, India acts as the first responder. Jaishankar highlighted a natural partnership in a crisis.
President Dissanayake expressed deep gratitude for swift support. He described the package as opening a new chapter in bilateral relations.
Jaishankar met Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and opposition leaders. Discussions covered implementation and further measures.
India encourages tourism flows to Sri Lanka. Increased foreign direct investment has been pledged to boost the economy.
Background
Cyclone Ditwah ranks among Sri Lanka’s deadliest recent disasters. It claimed over 600 lives. Hundreds remain missing. Floods and landslides destroyed homes, schools, and farms.
India previously supported Sri Lanka during economic turmoil and past cyclones. Ties emphasise mutual assistance and regional stability. Trade and connectivity projects continue despite challenges. People-to-people links remain strong.
What’s Next for India Aid to Sri Lanka
Coordination mechanisms will accelerate package rollout. Sector-specific plans emerge from consultations.
India monitors recovery progress. Additional support is possible in tourism and investment. Long-term resilience building focuses on disaster preparedness and response. Enhanced mechanisms aim to reduce future vulnerabilities.
India’s aid to Sri Lanka underscores the enduring partnership between the two countries. Swift reconstruction aids swift return to normalcy. India’s aid to Sri Lanka through this substantial package signals a commitment to shared prosperity in the region.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, December 24th, 2025
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