The Sri Lankan Army has expressed appreciation for the work of Indian Army engineers in restoring critical infrastructure damaged by Cyclone Ditwah. Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lankan Army, visited the Chilaw Bridge site on Friday, praising the challenging efforts undertaken in difficult weather conditions by Indian Army engineers working alongside Sri Lankan Road Development Authorities.

An Engineer Task Force of 48 Indian Army personnel was airlifted on a war footing to provide specialized engineering support. The team includes bridging experts, surveyors, watermanship specialists, and operators of heavy earth-moving equipment, drones, and unmanned systems. They are currently working with four sets of Bailey bridges, airlifted by Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft, to restore disrupted connectivity.

Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, the Indian Army has also provided extensive medical assistance, treating over 5,000 patients affected by the cyclone. In a related development, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with Sri Lanka High Commissioner Mahishini Colonne on Friday, handing over essential life-saving medicines and reaffirming India’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s recovery efforts.

The full consignment of medicines will be airlifted to Colombo by the Indian Air Force, continuing India’s humanitarian assistance under its Neighbourhood First policy.