‘Hero’ Jaishankar Steps In as Sri Lanka Looks to India for Support, Earns Praise from Locals

Colombo: Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has reaffirmed India’s commitment to stand with Sri Lanka in the aftermath of Cyclone Dituvah. During his visit to Colombo, Jaishankar handed over a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to President Ranil Anura Kumara Dissanayake, alongside announcing a $450 million relief and reconstruction package for the cyclone-affected regions.

The aid package includes $350 million in concessional loans for reconstruction and $100 million in grants. The announcement has been widely appreciated, with Sri Lankans praising India’s timely support.

Prominent Sri Lankan journalist Jamila Hussain highlighted Jaishankar’s consistent support, posting on social media:
“In 2022, at the peak of our economic crisis, Jaishankar came to Colombo and met people standing in long fuel queues. He did what no Sri Lankan leader was willing to do—assess the fuel crisis firsthand. Today, as we recover from Cyclone Dituvah, he is again here to help, promising a $450 million reconstruction package. Indian leaders have done more for our people than our own at times.”

India’s Swift Relief Efforts
Jaishankar emphasized that India’s immediate response was a natural step in the wake of the disaster. He noted that INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri delivered essential relief supplies to Colombo. Over the next two weeks, several Mi-17 helicopters from the Indian Air Force remained actively engaged in relief operations, supported by an 80-member National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team.

Speaking alongside Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath at a joint press conference, Jaishankar said:
“I have come with a message for President Dissanayake. We discussed the detailed impact of Cyclone Dituvah. The letter from Prime Minister Modi reaffirms India’s role as a first responder and promises a $450 million reconstruction package to help Sri Lanka recover.”

This visit underscores India’s continued role as a reliable partner for Sri Lanka during times of natural disasters, strengthening bilateral ties and regional cooperation.