Sri Lanka Honours India’s Operation Sagar Bandhu

Sri Lanka has formally acknowledged India’s swift and large-scale humanitarian assistance during the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, honouring Indian naval assets for their critical role in rescue and relief operations. The recognition underlines the depth of regional cooperation at a time when the island nation faced one of its deadliest climate disasters in recent years.

Recognition by Sri Lanka Navy

The Sri Lanka Navy honoured eight foreign naval vessels, including two from India, for providing immediate assistance after Cyclone Ditwah struck in late November. Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya personally conveyed gratitude to diplomatic representatives of the assisting countries. The cyclone triggered widespread flooding, landslides, and infrastructure collapse, overwhelming national disaster-response systems.

Role of Indian Naval Assets

Indian Navy ships INS Vikrant and INS Udayagiri were among the first foreign vessels to respond. Both ships were initially in Sri Lankan waters to participate in the International Fleet Review 2025 marking the navy’s 75th anniversary. Following the cyclone’s landfall on November 27, these vessels were swiftly redeployed for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

Operation Sagar Bandhu and Relief Scale

India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu on the very day Cyclone Ditwah made landfall. The mission delivered more than 1,100 tonnes of relief material, including food rations, tents, tarpaulins, clothing, hygiene kits, and water purification equipment. Around 14.5 tonnes of medicines and medical equipment were supplied, along with an additional 60 tonnes of logistical support material. Helicopters deployed from INS Vikrant played a key role in aerial rescue and supply drops.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Operation Sagar Bandhu is India’s humanitarian mission to Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah.
• INS Vikrant is India’s indigenously built aircraft carrier.
• Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) is a key naval role.
• India and Sri Lanka regularly cooperate on maritime security and disaster response.

Wider Assistance and Diplomatic Support

The Indian Air Force supported operations with Mi-17 helicopters for over two weeks, aiding evacuation and relief distribution. As of January 1, official figures from Colombo indicate 644 deaths and 175 missing persons. On December 23, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced a USD 450 million reconstruction package for Sri Lanka, comprising concessional credit lines and grants, reaffirming India’s long-term commitment to post-cyclone recovery.