Sanath Jayasuriya thanks PM Modi, EAM Jaishankar for standing with Sri Lanka after India's swift aid

Sri Lanka cricket legend Sanath Jayasuriya expressed his gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and the people of India for standing with Sri Lanka as the country battles the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. The cyclone has caused widespread devastation in Sri Lanka, resulting in floods in multiple regions.

Millions in the country have been affected by floods and landslides, resulting in significant property and livestock losses. Over 300 people have lost their lives, and more than 350 are reportedly missing due to the floods caused in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka. The country has also been battling extreme weather, and more than 10 lakh people have reportedly been affected in the tragedy.

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India has stood firmly in support of Sri Lanka in the hour of crisis, with the Indian government making every possible effort to help the country. India has taken up relief and rescue measures to extend support to Sri Lanka as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu.

"Grateful to Hon PM @narendramodi, EAM @DrSJaishankar & the people of India for standing with Sri Lanka in these difficult days. Your support, as during our economic crisis, shows the true strength of our friendship. Thank you for being with us when it matters most," Jayasuriya wrote on X, thanking India.

As 'first responders', India quickly mobilised personnel from the Indian Air Force (IAF), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Indian Navy to conduct rescue operations in Sri Lanka. The Indian Air Force deployed Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant to airlift those stranded in flood-affected regions. The Indian Air Force rescued hundreds, including pregnant women, infants and those injured.

The NDRF teams are also working in coordination with the Sri Lankan authorities to extend support in rescue operations. The Indian Air Force also used transport aircraft to deliver 31.5 tonnes of relief material to Sri Lanka. The Indian government also confirmed that two Indian Navy ships immediately delivered 9.5 tons of emergency rations in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka.

The Indian government also confirmed that over 150 people have been rescued and assisted in the combined operations between India and Sri Lanka, which are continuing. As Sri Lanka tries to return to normalcy in the aftermath of the devastation caused by the floods and landslides, the Indian government's incredible support showcased the strong bilateral ties between the two neighbouring nations in the time of crisis.