Colombo, Dec 23 (PTI) — External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday met Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, assuring India’s steadfast support for the island nation’s rebuilding efforts following Cyclone Ditwah. Jaishankar is visiting Sri Lanka as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s special envoy.
“Good to meet Prime Minister @Dr_HariniA of Sri Lanka in Colombo today. Assured India’s steadfast commitment to Sri Lanka’s rebuilding post Cyclone Ditwah. The reconstruction package offered by India is a reflection of the deep bonding between our two nations,” Jaishankar tweeted.
During the visit, Jaishankar and Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath jointly inaugurated a 120-foot dual carriageway Bailey Bridge in the Kilinochchi District, one of the areas severely impacted by the cyclone. “The 110-tonne bridge was airlifted from India and installed as part of #OperationSagarBandhu,” he added.
Earlier, Jaishankar met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, conveying Modi’s warm wishes and solidarity in the aftermath of the cyclone. India’s reconstruction package, valued at USD 450 million, will focus on rehabilitation of road, rail, and bridge connectivity, reconstruction of destroyed or damaged homes, strengthening health and education sectors, supporting agriculture, and improving disaster preparedness.
“Agriculture, including to address possible shortages in the short and medium term; Better disaster response and preparedness. India stands firmly with Sri Lanka, building on our civilisational ties, #NeighbourhoodFirst and #VisionMAHASAGAR,” Jaishankar tweeted.
Category: Breaking News
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