PM Modi with Sri Lanka President Dissanayake
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Monday, expressing condolences over the loss of lives and widespread destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah.PM Modi conveyed India’s solidarity with Sri Lanka during the crisis and assured continued assistance as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu, aligned with Vision Mahasagar and India’s role as the region’s ‘First Responder’.Meanwhile President Dissanayake thanked India for its swift support, including the rapid deployment of rescue teams and relief supplies, and conveyed the Sri Lankan people’s appreciation for New Delhi’s timely response.PM Modi assured that India would keep extending necessary help as Sri Lanka moves into rehabilitation, restoration of public services, and rebuilding livelihoods across the affected areas.Both leaders agreed to stay in close contact as relief efforts progress.Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre (DMC) on Sunday confirmed that the death toll from Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka has risen to at least 334, with nearly 400 people still missing in the aftermath of the storm. Massive damaged was also caused to homes and other infrastructures. Dissanayake had declared a state of emergency in response to the cyclone’s aftermath and called for international assistance. India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu on November 28 to deliver urgent HADR assistance to Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah. In coordination with Sri Lankan authorities, India supplied a total of 53 tonnes of relief material, including emergency rations, medical supplies, tents and hygiene kits, delivered through Indian Navy ships and three IAF aircraft. Over 80 NDRF personnel and USAR teams were deployed for rescue operations. Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant and IAF Mi-17s conducted extensive airlift missions, rescuing 121 people of multiple nationalities, including the critically injured. India also evacuated around 1,500 stranded citizens through special IAF and commercial flights. Reaffirming its Neighbourhood First policy and Vision Mahasagar, India has positioned itself as the First Responder and continues to support Sri Lanka’s ongoing rescue, relief and recovery efforts.
