India inaugurates emergency bridge in cyclone-hit Sri Lanka

TDT | Agencies

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India on Tuesday inaugurated a 120-foot dual carriageway Bailey Bridge in Sri Lanka’s northern Kilinochchi District, underscoring New Delhi’s role as a key partner in the island nation’s post-cyclone recovery efforts.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar joined Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath at the opening ceremony in the Northern Province, one of the areas worst affected by Cyclone Ditwah. Jaishankar said the 110-tonne bridge had been airlifted from India and installed under Operation Sagar Bandhu, India’s emergency response initiative.

The bridge inauguration came as Jaishankar announced that India has proposed a comprehensive assistance package worth 450 million dollars to support Sri Lanka’s longer-term reconstruction following the cyclone. The proposal follows the completion of the immediate humanitarian phase of Operation Sagar Bandhu.

Speaking in Colombo as a special envoy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jaishankar said India’s support reflected its commitment as a first responder. He noted that the initial relief operation delivered around 1,100 tonnes of aid, including about 14.5 tonnes of medicines and medical equipment.

Jaishankar said the proposed package would comprise 350 million dollars in concessional credit and 100 million dollars in grants, and is being finalised in close consultation with the Sri Lankan government to prioritise critical infrastructure and recovery needs.

The initiative reinforces India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and its stated aim of supporting Sri Lanka’s stability and rebuilding efforts. Jaishankar arrived in Colombo on Monday evening and was received by Deputy Tourism Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe.