Fresh Relief Supplies Delivered to Sri Lanka; India’s Multidimensional Support Continues under Operation Sagar Bandhu

Another consignment of 50 more tonnes of dry rations from India arrived in Sri Lanka on 15 December onboard Indian Coast Guard Ship Shaurya. The supplies were handed over by Deputy High Commissioner to India Dr. Satyanjal Pandey to Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku, Deputy Minister of Ports & Civil Aviation, and reinforcing ongoing support for disaster-affected communities. 

2. Earlier, on 14 December, an Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft arrived in Sri Lanka, delivering 10 tonnes of medicines and 15 tonnes of dry rations, while also facilitating the return of the Indian Army Field Hospital team, which had been set up in Mahiyanganaya, near Kandy, following the successful completion of its humanitarian mission.

3. Efforts to restore critical road connectivity are progressing steadily. Preparatory activities are underway at bridge sites in Chilaw and Kilinochchi, with the damaged Kilinochchi Bridge fully cleared and ready for the installation of a Bailey Bridge, facilitating smoother movement and improved access in the region.

4. In the presence of Hon. Anura Karunathilake, Minister of Ports & Civil Aviation, and Deputy High Commissioner Dr. Satyanjal Pandey, Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT) handed over a contribution of LKR 100 million towards “Rebuilding Sri Lanka.” CWIT is a joint venture between Adani Ports, John Keells Group, and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.

5. Separately, the Indian Cultural Association (ICA) successfully concluded the second Janashakthi Life – ICA International Half-Marathon in Colombo on 14 December, attracting over 2,500 participants from 39 countries. Endorsed by the High Commission of India and the Ministry of Sports, Sri Lanka, the event celebrated athletic excellence and social impact, with the men’s category winner, Kipsang Icibet Mooses, donating his LKR 1 million prize money to the ICA Orphanage water purification project. This year’s edition grew in scale and significance, fostering international camaraderie while delivering tangible benefits to communities across Sri Lanka. 

6. The last Indian Air Force MI-17 helicopter also completed its mission on Sunday (Dec 14) under Operation Sagar Bandhu, supporting relief operations in close coordination with the Sri Lankan Air Force in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. The helicopter and its crew returned to India on 14 December. Since 29 November 2025, three IAF and two Indian Navy helicopters have participated in the operation, rescuing 272 survivors, airlifting Sri Lankan troops, and delivering over 61 tonnes of relief material, standing firmly with Sri Lanka in its hour of need. 

7. Summary: Operation Sagar Bandhu (until 17 December 2025)

Since the launch of Operation Sagar Bandhu on 28 November 2025, India has provided over 1,134 tonnes of humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka, including dry rations, tents, tarpaulins, hygiene kits, clothing, water purification systems, and 14.5 tonnes of medicines and surgical equipment, in addition to another60 tonnes of specialised equipment. Indian Naval ships INS Vikrant, INS Udaygiri, INS Sukanya, LCU-54, LCU-57, LCU-51, and INS Gharial delivered large volumes of relief material to Colombo and Trincomalee, apart from Indian Coast Guard Ship Shaurya.

Two teams of the National Disaster Response Force (80 personnel with K9 units) conducted immediate search and rescue operations, while an 85-member Indian Army Field Hospital set up in Mahiyanganaya provided life-saving medical care to more than7,000 patients.

Medical centres using BHISHM Arogya Maitri cubes were established in severely affected areas, and 248 tonnes of Bailey Bridge components with 48 engineers were airlifted to restore critical connectivity. 5 Indian Air Force and Navy helicopters evacuated survivors, transported troops, and delivered relief supplies-reflecting India’s steadfast commitment to Sri Lanka during a time of crisis.

Source: The morning