In the aftermath of the devastating Cyclone Ditwah, Sri Lanka has sought assistance and expertise from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)’s National Remote Sensing Centre.

The request was made by the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) on behalf of the government. The Indian High Commission (IHC) said that they had arranged for a virtual meeting between DMC and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)’s National Remote Sensing Centre. Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy and Maj. General (Retd.) Kotuwegoda, DG, DMC participated, the IHC said.

The IHC said that since the onset of the disaster, in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah, ISRO has been providing maps to assist DMC in its efforts and would continue to provide full support. Also, a virtual meeting was organised between Odisha State Disaster Management Authorities of Odissa and Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy, regarding early warning systems and community-led disaster response architecture.

The text of the IHC statement: ” Since the launch of Operation Sagar Bandhu on Nov 28, India has provided about 58 tonnes relief material including dry rations, tents, tarpaulins, hygiene kits, essential cloths, water purification kits and about 4.5 tonnes medicines and surgical equipment. Another 60 tonnes of equipment including generators, inflatable rescue boats, Out Board Motors, excavators, etc., have also been brought to Sri Lanka. Further, 185 tonnes of Baily Bridge units were airlifted to restore critical connectivity along with 44 engineers. Two columns of National Disaster Response Force comprising 80 experts and K9 units with specially trained dogs assisted with immediate rescue and relief efforts in Sri Lanka. A fully fledged field hospital with 78 medical personnel was deployed, which is now providing life-saving care, in Mahiyanganaya near Kandy, conducting surgeries, trauma care, etc., catering to more than 850 patients so far. Medical centres have also been set up from the BHISHM Arogya Maitri cubes in the badly hit Ja-Ela region and in Negombo. INS Vikrant, INS Udaygiri and INS Sukanya, provided immediate rescue and relief assistance to Sri Lanka. Apart from the two Chetak helicopters deployed from INS Vikrant, two heavy lift, MI 17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force are actively involved in evacuations and airlifting relief material. In addition, about 2500 stranded Indians were evacuated from Sri Lanka, using more than 400 on IAF aircraft.

On Dec 6, yet another C-17, the ninth Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft to arrive in Colombo under Operation Sagar Bandhu, brought 65 tonnes including 55 tonnes of Bailey Bridge units (corresponding to a bridge length of 110 ft), an excavator and other earth moving equipment along with 13 Indian Army Engineers. In coordination with Sri Lankan authorities, the Indian Engineer Corps carried out surveys and reconnaissance at multiple sites where bridges have been washed away or damaged, for the construction of Bailey Bridges. Two sites have been identified and work is starting for construction of a Bailey bridges at one of the sites in Killinochchi.

On Saturday (06), Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, visited and reviewed the Indian Army Field Hospital working at Mahiyanganaya near Kandy. He conveyed his appreciation to the Government of India for its swift response in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah and for ensuring that critical medical care reaches those in need. The Field Hospital was airlifted to Sri Lanka by an Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft along with a 78-member Indian medical team. As of yesterday (06), the facility has treated a total of 871 patients, carried out 74 minor procedures, and successfully conducted four surgeries.

In a significant public–private contribution to recovery and rehabilitation, Lanka Ashok Leyland donated seven essential utility vehicles valued at over LKR 65 million, in the presence of Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha, Minister of Industry & Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti, and Deputy Minister of Defence of Sri Lanka Gen. (retd.) Aruna Jayasekara. Selected in consultation with Sri Lankan authorities to meet urgent operational needs, the initiative was further strengthened by a LKR 2.5 million contribution from employees of Lanka Ashok Leyland.

Meanwhile, Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopter continued life-saving missions. In a sortie on Saturday (06), 4 tonnes of relief load was airlifted, 12 survivors were evacuated, and two patients were transported for advanced medical care.

Separately, Lanka Ashok Leyland, donated seven essential vehicles valued at 65 million LKR to strengthen relief recovery and rehabilitation efforts, in consultation with DMC. Staff from the company donated 2.5 million LKR. Indian Diaspora organisations in Sri Lanka have also donated aid to the tune of approximately 2 million LKR and distributed it to the needy.”