New Delhi, Dec 9: India on Tuesday reaffirmed its commitment to support Sri Lanka in the ongoing Operation Sagar Bandhu, pledging continued assistance for recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts following the widespread destruction and loss of life caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
In a major push to restore connectivity in the affected areas, four modular Bailey bridge systems, along with specialised teams from the Indian Army Engineers, were airlifted to Sri Lanka by four IAF C-17 Globemaster aircraft between December 3 and 9, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
“These rapidly installable bridge structures will help re-establish crucial connectivity links, thereby facilitating access for relief efforts in landslide- and flood-affected areas,” the ministry noted in its statement.
Launched on November 28, Operation Sagar Bandhu underscores India’s role as the first responder to its neighbours during natural disasters. The operation aims to deliver urgent humanitarian and disaster relief assistance to the island nation in the wake of the cyclone’s devastation.
Quoting the MEA statement, the government said Operation Sagar Bandhu “stands as a testament to the deep emotional bonds between the peoples—and the trusted partnership between the governments—of India and Sri Lanka.” The ministry added that India would remain fully committed to working closely with the Sri Lankan authorities to ensure early recovery and long-term rehabilitation.
Guided by India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), the country has maintained close coordination with Colombo to deliver life-saving aid, essential relief supplies, and critical recovery support across Sri Lanka — including areas rendered inaccessible by the cyclone.
Humanitarian assistance has included rapid deployment of emergency relief by air and sea, dispatch of medical and engineering teams, provision of BHISHM Cubes (portable trauma care units), and field hospital facilities established by the Indian Army, the MEA said.
The Aarogya Maitri team deployed modular BHISHM Cubes to set up a medical unit that provided urgent treatment and also conducted on-site training for Sri Lankan Air Force medical officers in Katunayake, enabling the use of these facilities in other affected regions.
India was the first country to deploy trained disaster response personnel to Sri Lanka—arriving within 24 hours of the cyclone’s landfall. “Till date, over 450 people have been rescued and assisted,” the ministry confirmed.
The Indian Army Field Hospital, established at Mahiyanganaya in Badulla district, has treated 3,388 patients so far, performing multiple surgical procedures. The hospital, airlifted on December 2 by an IAF C-17 Globemaster, comprises ambulances, trauma units, operating theatres, and 73 medical personnel, and remains operational. Additionally, 500 mobile water purification units were shipped to meet potable water requirements.
Within the first 72 hours of Cyclone Ditwah, 53 tonnes of emergency relief materials were delivered, including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, and hygiene kits. On November 28, 9.5 tonnes of dry rations from INS Vikrant and INS Udayagiri were handed over in Colombo.
On November 29–30, around 31.5 tonnes of relief supplies were sent via three IAF aircraft—two C-130J and one IL-76—comprising essential household and hygiene materials. High-priority medical and humanitarian aid, including two BHISHM trauma cubes, four tonnes of medicines, an Aarogya Maitri medical team, and two elite NDRF Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams, were also dispatched.
Further consignments included 12 tonnes of relief material that reached Trincomalee aboard INS Sukanya on December 1. On December 6, the Indian Navy facilitated the sealift of 997 tonnes of dry rations and other supplies contributed by the Tamil Nadu government.
Three Indian Navy Landing Craft Utility ships—INS L51, INS L54, and INS L57—transported 352 tonnes of this material from Tuticorin to Colombo, where it was received on December 7.
India’s quick and sustained humanitarian response, officials said, demonstrates its unwavering support for Sri Lanka during this critical period, reinforcing the shared regional vision of solidarity and mutual assistance across the Indian Ocean.
