India has committed USD 450 million to support Sri Lanka’s recovery and reconstruction efforts following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar announced in Colombo.
Speaking after meeting Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake as a special envoy of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dr. Jaishankar said India stood firmly with Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the disaster and would continue to support the country’s rebuilding priorities.
India was the first country to respond to Cyclone Ditwah, providing immediate humanitarian assistance including relief supplies, helicopters for rescue and assessment missions, medical support teams, and Bailey bridges to restore damaged road links and connectivity.
“Recognizing the urgency of rebuilding, Prime Minister Modi directed that we engage closely with the Sri Lankan Government to address their priorities,” Dr. Jaishankar said. He noted that the assistance package proposed by India is valued at USD 450 million.
According to Dr. Jaishankar, the package includes USD 350 million in concessional lines of credit and USD 100 million in grants. The support will focus on the rehabilitation and restoration of key infrastructure such as roads, railways, and bridges, as well as the reconstruction of housing and health facilities.
The assistance will also extend to the rehabilitation of agriculture, restoration of livelihoods, and efforts to strengthen disaster response and mitigation mechanisms to better prepare for future emergencies.
The announcement was made during a joint press conference with Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath. During the visit, Dr. Jaishankar also handed over a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to President Dissanayake, reaffirming India’s solidarity with Sri Lanka and its commitment to continued partnership across development, humanitarian assistance, and capacity building.
Officials said the reconstruction package underscores India’s role as a reliable first responder and long-term partner, reflecting the depth of the close and longstanding ties between India and Sri Lanka.
