India has offered a $450 million aid package to help reconstruct Sri Lanka after the disaster. As PM Narendra Modi's special envoy to the Indian Ocean neighbor, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that it will contain $100 million in grants and $350 million in concessional credit lines.
Earlier in the day, Jaishankar addressed a letter from PM Modi to Anura Kumara Disanayake, the president of Sri Lanka, to discuss the damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
"The letter I received from PM Modi expands on our first responder role and promises Sri Lanka a $450 million reconstruction package." Our discussions focused on how quickly this commitment could be fulfilled," the minister stated.
According to him, the aid will address the areas most impacted by the storm, such as improved disaster response, support for building homes, health, education, and agricultural systems, and rehabilitation and restoration of road, railway, and bridge links.
We are aware that efforts must be made as soon as possible to lessen the effects of Cyclone Ditwah on Sri Lankans. In addition to providing assistance to increase foreign direct investment and travel from India, Jaishankar stated, "We are discussing an effective coordination mechanism for earliest possible delivery."
Jaishankar remembered that the day Cyclone Ditwah made landfall marked the start of India's relief and aid effort, Operation Sagar Bandhu.
Over 1,100 tonnes of relief supplies, including dry food, tents, tarpaulins, hygiene kits, basic clothing, and water purification kits, were provided by Operation Sagar Bandhu.
Additionally, about 14.5 tonnes of medications and medical supplies were sent. He added, "An additional 60 tonnes of equipment were transported to Sri Lanka to support rescue efforts.
