India has announced a $450 million assistance package to help Sri Lanka recover from the recent cyclone, focusing on disaster relief and infrastructure repair in the most affected areas.
Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar emphasized that the aid aims to rebuild essential services and support the country’s recovery efforts.
Speaking during his two-day visit to Sri Lanka, Jaishankar noted that the cyclone struck just as the nation was emerging from the economic crisis of 2022, compounding challenges for local communities and critical infrastructure. He stressed the importance of immediate action to restore normalcy.
The relief package will prioritize the restoration of railway networks, roads, and bridges damaged by the cyclone, ensuring transportation and connectivity are quickly reestablished. In addition, it includes support for rebuilding homes destroyed by the disaster, helping affected families return to stable living conditions.
Jaishankar made these remarks alongside Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, highlighting strong bilateral cooperation between the two countries. The assistance reflects India’s commitment to regional humanitarian support and disaster management in South Asia.