Sri Lanka President expresses gratitude to India for continued support

Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met Indian Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar in Colombo today (December 23) and expressed heartfelt thanks to India for its swift help after Cyclone Ditwah, as India confirmed continued support for Sri Lanka with a USD 450 million relief package.

The meeting took place this morning at the Presidential Secretariat during Dr. Jaishankar’s official visit to Sri Lanka. President Dissanayake conveyed sincere gratitude to the Government of India, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for being among the first countries to assist Sri Lanka following the cyclone.

The President specially acknowledged India’s quick response in rescue operations, relief assistance, and efforts to help affected communities return to normal life.

During the discussion, Dr. Jaishankar stated that, following the guidance of Prime Minister Modi, India will continue its strong support for Sri Lanka’s recovery and reconstruction. He confirmed that India will provide a relief package worth USD 450 million and also expressed India’s readiness to offer further assistance if needed.

Both leaders described this cooperation as a significant step forward, marking a new chapter in Indo–Sri Lanka relations.

Following the meeting, bilateral discussions were held focusing on strengthening cooperation in key areas such as the economy, trade, agriculture, health, energy, housing development, and tourism.

India also reaffirmed its commitment to continuously support the revival and growth of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.

Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, conveyed a special letter to Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake through External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar:

H.E. Anura Kumara Dissanayake President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka,

Excellency,

At a time when your nation is recovering from the damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah, I am sending External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar as my Special Envoy to discuss how India can cooperate with Sri Lanka in relief and rehabilitation.

In line with our ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and First Responder commitment, we undertook ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’ to address the immediate challenges. Indian ships, aircraft and helicopters brought relief supplies and emergency materials. They supported your search and rescue efforts while specialized Indian teams were pressed into service to handle medical emergencies and restore critical connectivity and communications.We are glad that ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’ touched many lives in Sri Lanka and was widely perceived as an expression of our deep bonding.

As Sri Lanka now shifts its attention to the next phase, I would like to assure you that India will extend all possible support as a trusted partner and a reliable friend. As in the past, we will stand shoulder to shoulder with you in rebuilding lives and ensuring resilience in Sri Lanka. In this context, I am pleased to inform you that India will provide a comprehensive assistance package. I have asked Minister Jaishankar to discuss with your Government how best this package can be implemented.

I am confident that Sri Lanka will rise again, stronger than ever before. In this journey, as in its national development and progress, Sri Lanka will always find India by its side.
Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Narendra Modi
Prime Minister of India