India to provide $450 million reconstruction package to Sri Lanka

India will provide a 450 million dollar package to assist in the reconstruction of areas affected by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar announced this while addressing the media in Colombo on Tuesday. He stated that the package comprises a 350 million concessionary line of credit and 100 million dollars in grants, aimed at supporting the rebuilding of cyclone-affected regions of the nation. He noted that India’s assistance will cover sectors worst affected by this cyclone, including rehabilitation and restoration of road, railway and bridge connectivity, support for the construction of houses fully destroyed and partially damaged.

The External Affairs Minister met Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, had a detailed discussion on the damage caused by the Cyclone and handed over a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Dr Jaishankar underlined that in line with India’s neighbourhood first and Mahasagar policy, India stepped forward immediately at a time when Sri Lanka faced crisis caused by the cyclone and also through economic difficulties as well.

He added that under Operation Sagar Bandhu, India delivered around 11 hundred tonnes of relief material and over 14.5 tonnes of medicines and medical equipment to the neighbouring country. Extending support to Sri Lanka in its difficult time, the Minister assured that India will continue to encourage tourism in Sri Lanka, helping the nation increase foreign direct investment. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar met Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya in Colombo and assured India’s steadfast commitment to Sri Lanka’s rebuilding post Cyclone Ditwah. In a social media post, Dr Jaishankar underlined that the reconstruction package offered by India is a reflection of the deep bonding between the two nations.