Newsroom, December 23, 2025: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Colombo as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's special envoy. He announced a $450 million reconstruction package for Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah killed hundreds and damaged infrastructure nationwide.
The aid includes $350 million in concessional credit and $100 million in grants. It targets roads, railways, bridges, housing, health facilities, education, agriculture, and disaster preparedness. This builds on India's quick emergency response, which delivered over 1,100 tonnes of supplies, deployed ships, helicopters, and rescue teams, and built temporary bridges.
Jaishankar met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, and other leaders. He stressed India's Neighbourhood First policy. Both sides plan fast coordination for delivery. India also pledges to boost tourism and investment for long-term recovery.
