In Colombo, New Delhi's relief route to goodwill

Sri Lanka is dealing with its worst disaster since the multifaceted crisis of 2021.

- Aditya Gowdara Shivamurthy

As of December Il, Cyclone Ditwah had claimed 639 lives and affected over 2.3 million people. Economic losses are close to $6-7 billion, derailing the country's economic recovery and setting its infrastructure back by decades. The Sri Lankan government's delayed and inadequate preparation has provided much-needed momentum to the Opposition. On its part, India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to ensure Sri Lanka's “early recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction”, securing its long-term interests

Since the operation's November 28 launch, India has delivered over 1,058 tonnes of relief materials, and its naval and air forces have been deployed for rescue and relief assistance. These efforts are being supplemented by National Disaster Response Force teams, medical personnel, medical centres, and a para-field hospital. Till December 8, over 450 people had been rescued and 3,338 treated. India has also flown its military engineers along with Bailey Bridge units to restore critical infrastructure,