PM Harini and Jaishankar discuss Sri Lanka’s post-disaster reconstruction efforts

The External Affairs Minister of India, Dr. Subramaniam Jaishankar, met with the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at Temple Trees today (23).

Minister Jaishankar is currently in Sri Lanka as the Special Envoy of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During the meeting, the Minister of External Affairs of India reaffirmed readiness to extend support for Sri Lanka, including assistance in rebuilding railways, bridges, and strengthening of the agricultural sector in the country.

He also has highlighted the importance of having effective systems in place to respond to disaster situations, supported by strong legislative, administrative, and institutional frameworks. Both sides reviewed ongoing relief efforts and explored avenues to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in disaster response and recovery, the Office of the Prime Minister stated.

The Prime Minister commended the government of India for the continued support, noting that the recovery process following the devastation caused by the Cyclone Ditwah include beyond immediate relief efforts to long-term measures such as resettlement, and reconstruction of habilitation and infrastructure.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya further stated that steps have been taken to reopen schools as part of the process of restoring normalcy, with close monitoring in place. The Prime Minister emphasized the need to ensure stability, reduce vulnerability, and strengthen protection mechanisms highlighting the solidarity of the people, their strong spirit of volunteerism, and collective action demonstrated during the emergency situation, the Office of the Prime Minister added.

Jaishankar is on a two-day visit to 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 posted on X.

During the meeting, Jaishankar and his counterpart Herath also jointly inaugurated a 120-foot dual carriageway Bailey Bridge in the Kilinochchi District of Northern Province.

“Jointly inaugurated with FM @HMVijithaHerath in the presence of President @anuradisanayake, a 120-foot dual carriageway Bailey Bridge in the Kilinochchi District of Northern Province, one of the areas severely affected by Cyclone Ditwah. The 110 tonnes bridge was airlifted from India and installed as part of #OperationSagarBandhu,” Jaishankar posted.

Earlier in the day, Jaishankar called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and conveyed Modi’s warm wishes in aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah.

“Pleased to call on H.E President @anuradisanayake in Colombo today. Conveyed Prime Minister @narendramodi’s warm wishes and message of solidarity in aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah,” Jaishankar posted.

“Building on our First Responder activity under #OperationSagarBandhu, India will commit to a reconstruction package of USD 450 million to Sri Lanka covering: Rehabilitation and restoration of road, railway and bridge connectivity; Construction of houses fully destroyed and partially damaged; Support for health and education sectors, in particular, those that have been damaged by the cyclone,” the post read.

“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,” the EAM post read. 

--With Agencies Inputs