PM Modi on Monday spoke with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, reaffirming India’s unwavering solidarity with the island nation as it grapples with the tragic aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. The phone call comes at a time when Indian relief teams are already on the ground under Operation Sagar Bandhu, delivering one of the swiftest Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) responses in the region’s recent history.
According to officials, the Prime Minister extended heartfelt condolences on the loss of lives and the extensive destruction caused by the cyclone. Modi assured President Dissanayake that India stands shoulder to shoulder with Sri Lanka during this difficult hour and will continue to support rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts in the days ahead.
President Dissanayake, in turn, conveyed deep gratitude for India’s rapid mobilisation of assistance. He appreciated both the scale and speed of New Delhi’s response, from deploying specialised rescue teams to airlifting tonnes of essential supplies, and noted that Sri Lankans across the affected regions had expressed sincere appreciation for India’s timely help.
India’s ongoing support under Operation Sagar Bandhu has already delivered significant on-ground impact. New Delhi has supplied over 53 tonnes of relief material, deployed 80-member NDRF Urban Search and Rescue teams, and airlifted essential equipment, medical aid, and emergency rations. Indian Navy helicopters, IAF aircraft, and NDRF units have collectively rescued over 120 people, including foreign nationals, and continue to assist stranded families across severely affected areas. India has also facilitated the evacuation of around 1,500 stranded Indian nationals through special and commercial flights. Op Sagar Bandhu-as on 1Dec
Modi assured that this effort would continue “as long as needed”, guided by India’s Vision MAHASAGAR and its established role as the region’s First Responder. The mission will now support Sri Lanka’s transition from immediate relief to restoration of public services and rebuilding of livelihoods.
Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact as operations expand and rehabilitation efforts gather pace.
