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India Hands Over Urgently Required Essential Medicines to Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu

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Friday, 12 December 2025 17:24

The Foreign Secretary of India, Vikram Misri today handed over a consignment of urgently required essential medicines to Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India, Mahishini Colonne, in New Delhi. The assistance, extended in response to a request from the Government of Sri Lanka, forms part of Operation Sagar Bandhu, India’s humanitarian mission supporting Sri Lanka’s relief, recovery, and reconstruction efforts following the devastating Cyclone Ditwah.

The consignment consists of over 400 boxes of life-saving medicines and injections, which will be airlifted to Colombo by an Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft, alongside further additional relief assistance from India.

Foreign Secretary Misri reiterated the condolences of the Government and people of India for the tragic loss of lives and the extensive damage to infrastructure caused by the Cyclone. He reaffirmed India’s steadfast commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s immediate humanitarian needs as well as rebuilding and reconstruction efforts. He also highlighted India’s readiness to work with Sri Lanka on a mix of initiatives tailored to the needs of affected communities.

High Commissioner Colonne conveyed the sincere appreciation of the President, Government, and people of Sri Lanka for India’s timely, continuous, and sustained support, and handed over to the Foreign Secretary, a letter of gratitude from the President of Sri Lanka to the Prime Minister of India.

Describing the extensive nature of the damage, the High Commissioner appreciated the ongoing and consistent engagement of the Indian High Commission in Colombo, in collaboration with government officials and local authorities in coordinating relief, rescue, and recovery efforts.

The High Commissioner also requested India’s support in sharing its expertise and leadership in enhancing disaster-response capabilities and disaster-resilience frameworks, especially lessons from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, both globally recognized for their advanced disaster resilience frameworks. Apart from this support that is under discussion, the New Delhi-based Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) has also been requested to undertake a visit to Sri Lanka to explore avenues for strengthening Sri Lanka’s disaster resilient infrastructure capacities. Noting the importance of having an effective and real-time warning system, efforts are being made to deploy a team to explore the establishment of an early warning system that would provide real-time geo-targeted alerts to citizens.

The High Commissioner reiterated Sri Lanka’s gratitude to the Government and people of India for their continued solidarity under Operational Sagar Bandhu, reaffirming the strength of the longstanding partnership between the two nations.

High Commission of Sri Lanka
New Delhi
12 December 2025

Thursday, 11 December 2025 15:29

On 02 December 2025, the High Commission of Sri Lanka in New Delhi hosted the launch of “Around the World in Magnets – Sri Lanka” a charming and visually rich book by Dr. Anthony Vipin Das and Ms. Vidushi Duggal, celebrating Sri Lanka’s culture, heritage, landscape, and beauty – all captured through souvenir magnets collected during their travels.

The event brought together diplomats, academics, artistes, media personnel, and friends of Sri Lanka. Reflections on the book and on their experiences relating to Sri Lanka were shared by Professor Mahalakshmi Ramakrishnan and Ambasador Gitesh Sarma, followed by an interesting and insightful conversation with the authors moderated by Mr. Sanjoy Roy.

Speaking at the launch, High Commissioner Mahishini Colonne highlighted the creativity of the book and how such works strengthen people-to-people ties. She also drew attention to Sri Lanka’s present humanitarian challenges following Cyclone Ditwah. She expressed deep gratitude to the Government of India for the swift launch of Operation Sagar Bandhu and the extensive support extended during Sri Lanka’s emergency response and relief efforts. Stating that Sri Lanka’s journey from relief to recovery will require sustained partnership, the High Commissioner urged the Indian public to continue supporting Sri Lanka including through tourism which directly impacts local communities.

In a generous gesture, the authors announced that proceeds from all the books sold at the launch will be donated towards Cyclone Ditwah relief and recovery. Guests were also invited to contribute directly to Cyclone Ditwah recovery during the event.

The evening concluded with a book-signing session.

Remarks by the High Commissioner ( For the Full speeach Please click here )

High Commission of Sri Lanka

New Delhi