External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday met several senior Sri Lankan ministers in Colombo and reaffirmed India’s full support for the island nation’s recovery and rebuilding efforts following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

Jaishankar held discussions with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, Labour and Deputy Finance Minister Anil Jayantha, and Deputy Tourism Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe. The meetings focused on post-cyclone reconstruction, relief measures, and the implementation of India’s assistance package.

In a post on social media platform X, Jaishankar said he was “delighted” to meet the Sri Lankan ministers and reiterated India’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka during the recovery phase. He added that discussions covered the reconstruction package already offered by India as well as additional relief measures to address urgent needs on the ground.

Earlier in the day, the External Affairs Minister met Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and assured her of India’s steadfast commitment to rebuilding efforts following Cyclone Ditwah. Jaishankar described India’s assistance as a reflection of the deep and enduring bond between the two neighbouring countries.

“Good to meet Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya of Sri Lanka in Colombo today. Assured India’s steadfast commitment to Sri Lanka’s rebuilding post Cyclone Ditwah,” Jaishankar wrote on X, noting that the reconstruction package underscores the strong partnership between New Delhi and Colombo.

Jaishankar also called on Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, conveying Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s warm wishes and message of solidarity in the aftermath of the cyclone. During the meeting, the External Affairs Minister formally announced a reconstruction package worth $450 million to support Sri Lanka’s recovery.

The assistance package includes rehabilitation and restoration of road, railway, and bridge connectivity; construction of houses that were fully destroyed or partially damaged; and targeted support for the health and education sectors affected by the cyclone. The package also includes aid for agriculture to address potential food shortages in the short and medium term, along with measures to strengthen disaster response and preparedness.

As part of the visit, Jaishankar and Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath jointly inaugurated a 120-foot dual carriageway Bailey Bridge in the Kilinochchi District of Sri Lanka’s Northern Province, one of the areas severely impacted by Cyclone Ditwah. The bridge, weighing 110 tonnes, was airlifted from India and installed under Operation Sagar Bandhu.

Calling the project a symbol of India’s rapid response, Jaishankar said the bridge would significantly improve connectivity and support local communities affected by the disaster.

The External Affairs Minister arrived in Colombo on Monday to a warm reception by Deputy Tourism Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe. His visit highlights India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and its role as a first responder in times of crisis.

India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu on November 28, immediately after Cyclone Ditwah struck Sri Lanka, to provide urgent humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. The operation included the deployment of relief supplies, engineering support, and logistical assistance to affected regions.

The visit and the announced reconstruction package reinforce India’s commitment to regional stability, humanitarian cooperation, and long-term recovery efforts in Sri Lanka.