NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi spoke to Sri Lankan President Anura K Dissanayake on Monday, expressing condolences on the loss of lives and devastation in Sri Lanka in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah and assuring him of India’s continued support to the Indian Ocean neighbour under the ongoing Operation Sagar Bandhu, which has taken up rescue and relief measures for distressed persons.The Prime Minister assured that India, in line with its Vision MAHASAGAR and its established position as the ‘First Responder’, will continue to extend all necessary assistance in the coming days as Sri Lanka undertakes rehabilitation efforts, resumes public services and works towards restoring livelihoods across the impacted regions, said an Indian readout. In coordination with the Sri Lankan authorities, the Indian govt immediately delivered 9.5 tons of emergency rations from two Indian Navy ships in Colombo and deployed three Indian Air Force aircraft for airlifting another 31.5 tons of relief materials.Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant and MI-17 helicopters of Indian Air Force have conducted extensive rescue operations, airlifting stranded people, including pregnant women, infants and those critically injured, said the govt.”Rescued persons included nationals of Sri Lanka, India, Germany, Slovenia, United Kingdom, South Africa, Poland, Belarus, Iran, Australia, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Over 150 persons have been rescued and assisted in these combined operations, which are continuing,” said the govt.The prime minister conveyed to Sri Lankan president that the people of India stand in firm solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka at this hour of need.
