India Offers $450M Relief Package to Rebuild Cyclone-Hit Sri Lanka
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India has announced a $450-million reconstruction package for Sri Lanka to aid relief and rebuilding efforts following the devastating Cyclone Ditwah. The package, announced by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during his visit to Sri Lanka, includes $350 million in concessional credit lines and $100 million in grants. Jaishankar met with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to discuss reconstruction efforts and handed over a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reiterating India's commitment to supporting Sri Lanka's recovery. Jaishankar emphasized that India's assistance is a testament to their 'neighbourhood first' and Mahasagar policies, which prioritize cooperation with neighboring countries in times of need. The reconstruction package will focus on sectors most affected by the cyclone, including road, railway, and bridge connectivity, as well as the reconstruction of damaged houses, health, and education systems. The package will also aim to boost agriculture, improve disaster response, and preparedness. India has already played a significant role in relief efforts, providing over 1,100 tonnes of relief materials, medicines, and medical equipment. The Indian Army has set up a field hospital and deployed engineers to restore connectivity. Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath expressed appreciation for India's 'unprecedented assistance' and noted that the new relief package will provide meaningful support to Sri Lanka's recovery and rebuilding efforts. Herath also thanked India for its crucial role in Sri Lanka's debt restructuring process and encouraged India to help bolster traveller confidence and encourage continued visits to the country's tourism sector. Jaishankar emphasized that India will continue to encourage tourism traffic from India and noted that an increase in Indian foreign direct investment can boost the economy. The two countries will work together to promote a deeper cooperative relationship and support Sri Lanka's recovery and rebuilding efforts.
