India has intensified efforts to aid Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah, providing engineering, medical, and humanitarian support to restore connectivity and assist affected communities. The Indian Army’s Engineer Task Force is working closely with the Sri Lankan Army and the Road Development Authority to repair and rebuild damaged infrastructure.The preparation for the Chilaw and Kilinochchi bridge sites in Jaffna has begun. Bailey bridges are set to be installed here.”Indian Army intensifies efforts for restoration of connectivity in Sri Lanka,” said ADGPI in a post on X sharing the update. The Indian Army confirmed that the damaged Kilinochchi bridge has been completely de-launched, and preparations are underway for the launch of a Bailey Bridge to restore road connectivity in the area.Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lankan Army, visited the Chilaw bridge site and praised the Indian Army Engineers. He appreciated the challenging tasks being done in tough weather conditions by the Indian Army Engineers, along with Sri Lankan Road Development Authorities.An Engineer Task Force of 48 Indian Army personnel was airlifted to Sri Lanka on a war footing to provide critical engineering support. The team includes specialised bridging experts, surveyors, and watermanship specialists, along with personnel trained to operate heavy earth-moving equipment, drones, and unmanned systems. They currently hold four sets of Bailey bridges airlifted by C-17 aircraft, as well as pneumatic boats, outboard motors, HESCO bags, and advanced equipment such as heavy-payload drones and remotely controlled boats.Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, the Indian Army has also delivered extensive medical assistance, helping more than 5,000 patients affected by the cyclone.Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Sri Lanka High Commissioner Mahishini Colonne and handed over part of a consignment of essential life-saving medicines.Official MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X, “Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Sri Lanka High Commissioner Mahishini Colonne, and reiterated India’s steadfast commitment to continued support for Sri Lanka’s early recovery and reconstruction efforts in the aftermath of the devastating cyclone Ditwah.” Jaiswal added, “As part of the ongoing medical assistance being provided under Operation Sagar Bandhu, Foreign Secretary also handed over essential life-saving medicines, the full consignment of which will be airlifted by an Indian Air Force C17 to Colombo.”Operation Sagar Bandhu, launched under India’s Neighbourhood First policy, underscores India’s commitment to stand by Sri Lanka in times of crisis, providing timely humanitarian and engineering assistance to restore normalcy in affected regions. Go to Source