India pledges $ 450 m reconstruction package for Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah

INDIA has committed a comprehensive reconstruction assistance package worth $ 450 million to support Sri Lanka's recovery from the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, reaffirming its role as the country's first responder and closest regional partner:

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Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, who is visiting Colombo as the special envoy of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, yesterday said the pledge was formally conveyed to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during a meeting on Tuesday morning.

In a joint press briefing held at the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Jaishankar said he handed over a letter from Prime Minister Modi that underscored India's "first responder" role and committed New Delhi to stand with Sri Lanka through the reconstruction phase.

"Our talks centred on how expeditiously this commitment can be delivered," Dr. Jaishankar said, noting that India's response was guided by its "Neighbourhood First" and "Mahasagar" policies.

He said Prime Minister Modi had directed Indian authorities to work closely with the Sri Lankan Government to address priority needs.

"The proposed $ 450 million package will comprise $ 350 million in concessional lines of credit and $ 100 million in grants, and is being finalised in close consultation with the Government of Sri Lanka," he added.