The North News
New Delhi, December 23
India has announced a $450m support package for Sri Lanka following the cyclone that caused widespread damage across the island nation, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday. Speaking about India’s relief efforts, Dr Jaishankar said Operation Sagar Bandhu delivered around 1,100 tonnes of relief material, including 14.5 tonnes of medicines and medical equipment, to assist those affected by the disaster.
Addressing in Colombo, he said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had directed officials to engage closely with the Sri Lanka government to support its rebuilding priorities. Under the proposed assistance, India will extend $350m through a concessional line of credit and $100m in grants, taking the total package to $450m. The proposal is being finalised in close consultation with the Sri Lankan authorities, Dr Jaishankar added. India will also continue to encourage tourism flows and increase foreign direct investment from India, which could help boost Sri Lanka’s economy at a critical moment, he said.
“This is a challenging period for Sri Lanka. Just as it was recovering from the economic crisis of 2022, this natural disaster has created fresh difficulties,” Dr Jaishankar said.
