Ayubowan!
Hon. Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar,
Minister of External Affairs of India,
Mr. Santosh Jha, High Commissioner of India,
Members of the Indian and Sri Lankan delegations,
Friends from the media,
At the outset, I warmly welcome Dr. Jaishankar back to Colombo.
Dr. Jaishankar’s visit at this time is deeply appreciated, as it underscores India’s steadfast solidarity with Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the adverse weather conditions caused by Cyclone Ditwah. This visit is a strong reflection of the close friendship and enduring partnership between our two countries, as well as India’s role as a first responder through the timely launch of Operation Sagar Bandhu.
On behalf of President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka, the government, and the people of Sri Lanka, I convey our profound gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India, and to you, Dr. Jaishankar, for India’s invaluable support in assisting Sri Lanka to overcome its economic challenges. We recall with appreciation the unprecedented assistance amounting to USD 4 billion, extended through lines of credit for essential goods and petroleum, bilateral currency swaps, and liability deferment.
Sri Lanka and India share a long-standing, multi-dimensional relationship rooted in geographical proximity, deep historical and cultural ties, shared values, and expanding economic linkages. Our bilateral relations continue to grow from strength to strength through regular high-level engagements and close cooperation at political, official, and people-to-people levels.
In this regard, we deeply value India’s continued support in stabilizing the Sri Lankan economy through multi-pronged assistance, including emergency financing and foreign exchange support, as well as USD 20.66 million extended to settle payments due for projects completed under existing lines of credit. We also sincerely appreciate India’s crucial role in Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring process, including as Co-Chair of the Official Creditors’ Committee, which enabled the timely conclusion of discussions.
Friends from the media,
Earlier this morning, Dr. Jaishankar called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka and followed through bilateral discussions, which focused on the broad trajectory of India–Sri Lanka cooperation across key sectors, including economic development, energy security, connectivity, trade and investment, health, education, maritime security, digital cooperation, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. Views were also exchanged on enhancing cooperation in disaster preparedness and resilience, in view of the growing impact of climate-related events in our region.
During the meeting, President Dissanayaka conveyed his sincere appreciation for India’s swift and comprehensive humanitarian support, including the provision of large-scale relief supplies, emergency medical assistance, search and rescue operations, restoration of connectivity, and assistance in rebuilding critical infrastructure. This timely intervention has brought much-needed relief to affected communities and has been invaluable to Sri Lanka’s national response efforts.
As you are aware, India provided over 1,000 tonnes of relief material, which were promptly distributed among affected communities.
The Indian Army Para Field Hospital established in Mahiyanganaya delivered critical healthcare services, while Indian Army signalers successfully restored connectivity following cyclone-related disruptions. India also provided approximately 10 tonnes of urgent medicines, strengthening our emergency healthcare response at a crucial time.
We also acknowledge with appreciation the provision of 228 tonnes of Bailey Bridge units in four batches, pursuant to the request made by President Dissanayaka to Prime Minister Modi. This assistance enabled the rapid restoration of vital transport links. Earlier today, Dr. Jaishankar and I virtually inaugurated the Bailey Bridge installed in Kilinochchi, in the presence of President Dissanayaka—an important contribution to restoring connectivity.
Friends from the media,
Dr. Jaishankar’s visit today is particularly significant as he is here to announce a further relief package, which will provide meaningful support to Sri Lanka’s recovery and rebuilding efforts. Through this gesture, India has once again demonstrated its enduring friendship and solidarity. We remain deeply grateful to Prime Minister Modi, to Dr. Jaishankar, and to the people of India.
As Dr. Jaishankar is aware, Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has rebounded following Cyclone Ditwah, and all tourist attractions are now fully operational. India remains the largest source of tourists to Sri Lanka, and a positive message from you, Dr. Jaishankar, would greatly enhance traveller confidence and encourage continued visits.
Dr. Jaishankar, I thank you once again for your visit and for the steadfast support extended by the Government and people of India to Sri Lanka.
I now invite Hon. Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of India, to address the media.
Thank you !
23 December 2025
