Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Sunday, expressing deep sorrow over the heavy loss of life caused by Cyclone Ditwah and reaffirming India’s commitment to assist the island nation through Operation Sagar Bandhu. Modi conveyed that India stands “shoulder to shoulder” with Sri Lanka during this crisis.

President Dissanayake thanked India for its rapid response, praising the speed with which relief teams and essential supplies were deployed. He noted that Sri Lankans widely acknowledge and appreciate India’s timely intervention during the unfolding disaster.

Modi assured that India — guided by its Vision Mahasagar and its long-established role as the region’s first responder — will continue extending support as Sri Lanka moves into rehabilitation and recovery. Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact as relief operations progress.

Cyclone Ditwah has left a trail of widespread destruction, claiming over 200 lives and displacing thousands. Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, India airlifted 21 tonnes of emergency assistance to Sri Lanka, while the Indian Air Force mounted a major rescue mission in the landslide-blocked Kotmale area.

Throughout Sunday, IAF helicopters transported 45 stranded people — including critically injured victims, infants, Sri Lankan citizens, and 12 Indian nationals — to safety in Colombo. The Air Force also facilitated the return of more than 400 Indians from Sri Lanka. Approximately 150 individuals were flown to Delhi on a C-130 aircraft, and another 250 were brought to Thiruvananthapuram aboard an IL-76. These aircraft had earlier delivered food supplies and humanitarian materials for communities devastated by the flooding.