India’s large-scale humanitarian initiative, Operation Sagar Bandhu, continues to deliver extensive rescue, medical, and relief assistance across Sri Lanka as the nation transitions from emergency response to recovery following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
Since the launch of the operation on November 28, India has provided more than 58 tonnes of relief material, including dry rations, tents, tarpaulins, hygiene kits, and water purification kits. In addition, India has supplied 4.5 tonnes of medicines and surgical equipment, along with 50 tonnes of essential gear such as generators, inflatable rescue boats, and outboard motors. To restore damaged transport routes, 130 tonnes of Bailey bridge units and a team of 31 engineers were airlifted to Sri Lanka.
Two columns of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), comprising 80 disaster management experts and K9 units—conducted immediate rescue missions across Badulla, Kochchikade, Puttalam, Colombo, and Gampaha. Working in coordination with Sri Lankan authorities, they evacuated around 150 stranded individuals, assisted pregnant women and the differently abled, recovered bodies, de-watered contaminated wells, and distributed essential supplies. The NDRF teams departed Colombo yesterday (05) after completing their mission under hazardous conditions, reaffirming India’s steadfast humanitarian partnership with Sri Lanka.
A fully equipped field hospital with 78 Indian medical personnel is now operational in Mahiyanganaya. Within the first 24 hours, the team treated over 400 patients, performed 55 minor procedures, and conducted a life-saving surgery. The facility continues to offer advanced trauma care, surgical services, and emergency support. Additionally, BHISHM Arogya Maitri Cube medical centres have been set up in Negombo and Ja-Ela, expanding access to rapid medical care in severely affected communities.
India’s naval assets INS Vikrant, INS Udaygiri and INS Sukanya played a vital role in immediate rescue and relief operations. Two Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant and two Indian Air Force MI-17 helicopters remain actively engaged in evacuation and airlifting missions. On December 4, IAF helicopters transported affected individuals from Kotmale to Katunayake for further treatment. Yesterday (05), MI-17 helicopters evacuated seven survivors and delivered 9.5 tonnes of relief supplies, ensuring essential food, medicine, and materials reached the most vulnerable.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway to install Bailey bridges on key road networks to restore connectivity to cut-off areas. These modular iron structures can be deployed within hours to re-establish critical transport routes, enabling urgent supplies to reach isolated communities until permanent bridges are rebuilt.
India has also facilitated the evacuation of about 2,500 stranded Indian nationals from Sri Lanka, including more than 400 flown out via IAF aircraft.
