India Pledges USD 450 Million Aid to Sri Lanka for Cyclone Ditwah Relief: Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar delivers PM Modi’s message, pledging USD 350 million in credit and USD 100 million in grants to support post cyclone recovery
COLOMBO, Dec 23: India has committed a USD 450 million relief and reconstruction package to assist Sri Lanka in recovering from the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced on Tuesday.
Acting as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s special envoy, Jaishankar handed over a letter from the Prime Minister to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, detailing the aid package. The assistance comprises USD 350 million in concessional lines of credit and USD 100 million in grants.
During his visit, Jaishankar held discussions with Sri Lankan Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath, focusing on expediting aid delivery and aligning support with the nation’s reconstruction priorities.
“As the special envoy of PM Modi, I handed over the letter committing a USD 450 million reconstruction package. Our talks focused on how quickly this assistance can be delivered,” Jaishankar said.
He highlighted India’s swift response, noting that Operation Sagar Bandhu was launched on the very day Cyclone Ditwah struck, prioritising the restoration of connectivity and critical infrastructure.
Emphasising India’s ongoing support, Jaishankar also spoke about initiatives to boost Sri Lanka’s economy, including promoting tourism and encouraging foreign investment during this critical period.
“As our closest neighbour and in line with our ‘neighbourhood first’ policy, it was natural for India to step forward during this crisis. We stand firmly with Sri Lanka,” Jaishankar added.
The announcement comes as Sri Lanka continues to grapple with widespread infrastructure damage and the displacement of thousands in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah.
