India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, has concluded his official visit to Sri Lanka, which focused largely on post-disaster recovery following Cyclone Ditwah.
During the visit, which began yesterday (22), Minister Jaishankar held discussions with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on ongoing restoration and relief efforts in areas affected by the cyclone. India has played a key role in rescue and humanitarian assistance across Sri Lanka over the past two weeks.
As part of India’s continued support, Dr. Jaishankar announced a USD 450 million assistance package for reconstruction in cyclone-affected regions. The package includes a USD 350 million concessionary line of credit and USD 100 million in grants aimed at rebuilding critical infrastructure and supporting recovery efforts.
Speaking as Special Envoy of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dr. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to Sri Lanka during the joint virtual inauguration of a Bailey bridge in the Kilinochchi District of the Northern Province.
The Indian External Affairs Minister also met with Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa to discuss the proposed reconstruction assistance following Cyclone Ditwah.
In addition, Dr. Jaishankar held meetings with members of the Indian business community in Sri Lanka, as well as representatives of political parties from the Northern and Eastern provinces and leaders of the Indian Origin Tamil community. Discussions focused on post-cyclone reconstruction, rehabilitation, and long-term recovery initiatives.
