Colombo: Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath on Saturday expressed gratitude to India and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for the humanitarian assistance dispatched under Operation Sagar Bandhu in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah.

“Thank you, my friend, @DrSJaishankar, for the assistance at this hard time. ” Herath posted on X.

Former Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Mohamed Uvais Mohamed Ali Sabry also acknowledged India’s swift response.

“Thank you, India, for the urgent cyclone relief sent under #OperationSagarBandhu. Sri Lanka remembers with gratitude the crucial support you extended during the 2022 economic crisis. Your friendship continues to make a meaningful difference.,” Sabry wrote on X.

Continuing its humanitarian mission, an Indian Air Force aircraft carrying nearly 12 tonnes of aid, including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits and ready-to-eat food, landed in Colombo on Saturday. Cyclone Ditwah has claimed several lives and displaced thousands across the island nation.

EAM Jaishankar confirmed the delivery in a post on X, stating: “#OperationSagarBandhu unfolds. @IAF_MCC C-130 J plane carrying approx 12 tons of humanitarian aid, including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat food items, lands in Colombo.”

The latest consignment follows Friday’s relief delivery under Operation Sagar Bandhu, when India supplied urgent Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) materials to Sri Lanka.

According to the Indian High Commission, India has provided 4.5 tonnes of dry rations, 2 tonnes of fresh rations and additional essential relief items transported by Indian Naval Ships INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri to support affected families.

“In this challenging moment, India stands firmly with the people of Sri Lanka, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the Neighbourhood First policy,” the High Commission posted on X.

Earlier, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences to families who lost loved ones to Cyclone Ditwah and announced that relief materials and HADR assistance had been dispatched to Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu.

IANS