New multi-million dollar aid fuels Sri Lanka's cyclone recovery

India has stepped forward with a significant financial commitment to help its neighbor, Sri Lanka, recover from the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, acting as a special envoy for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, announced a comprehensive India Sri Lanka reconstruction package worth $450 million during his visit to Colombo this Tuesday.

This financial support is structured to provide both immediate relief and long-term stability. Out of the total $450 million, India has earmarked $350 million as a concessional line of credit, while the remaining $100 million is provided as direct grants. The Indian government is currently collaborating with Sri Lankan officials to finalize the distribution of these funds, ensuring they target the most critical infrastructure and urgent recovery needs.

The announcement marks a transition from emergency assistance to sustainable rebuilding. Earlier, India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to provide rapid humanitarian aid. This mission successfully delivered approximately 1,100 tonnes of relief supplies and over 14 tonnes of essential medicines to help those hit hardest by the cyclone.

Jaishankar emphasized that India remains a "first responder" under its Neighbourhood First policy. He noted that this natural disaster struck at a particularly sensitive time, just as Sri Lanka was recovering from the severe economic crisis of 2022. To further bolster the local economy, India intends to promote tourism and increase foreign direct investment in the island nation.

The minister’s visit, which began with a warm reception by Deputy Tourism Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe on Monday, reinforces the deep-rooted ties between the two nations. By prioritizing this India Sri Lanka reconstruction package, New Delhi aims to ensure its neighbor can overcome the current challenges and regain its path toward economic prosperity.