Colombo | November 30,2025 | SKY LINK TIMES
Operation Sagar Bandhu:
The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Sunday executed a high-risk hybrid rescue mission under Operation Sagar Bandhu to evacuate stranded civilians from a restricted zone in Sri Lanka as the country continues to grapple with devastating weather conditions triggered by Cyclone Ditwah.
According to an IAF statement posted on X, a Garud commando was winched down to guide a group of trapped passengers through challenging terrain to a pre-briefed helipad in Kotmale, where 24 people — including Indians, foreign nationals and Sri Lankans — were evacuated to Colombo.
“IAF helicopters undertook a hybrid rescue mission to extricate stranded passengers from a restricted zone,” the Indian Air Force Media Coordination Centre said.
“A Garud commando guided the group to the Kotmale helipad, from where 24 passengers were evacuated to Colombo.”
Table of Contents
Critical Patients Airlifted for Emergency Care
The IAF also confirmed that three critically injured casualties were airlifted simultaneously to Colombo for urgent medical treatment.
Earlier, five teams of Sri Lankan Army personnel — a total of 40 troops — were flown from Diyathalawa Army Camp to Kotmale to support ongoing relief efforts in the landslide-hit region.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reposted the update with a brief but emphatic message:
> “Operation Sagar Bandhu.”
INS Vikrant Helicopter Rescue Earlier
The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka reported that a family of four stranded on a rooftop was rescued on November 29 by a Chetak helicopter from INS Vikrant and safely relocated to secure ground — also part of the continuing humanitarian mission.
India has intensified assistance to Sri Lanka as part of coordinated disaster response efforts involving IAF, Indian Navy and NDRF personnel.
Also Read:https://skylinktimes.in/india-sends-73-tonnes-of-life-saving-medicines/
NDRF Strengthens Relief Operations on Ground
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, sharing images of ongoing relief missions, wrote on X:
> “NDRF personnel, in close coordination with local authorities, continue to undertake relief operations in Sri Lanka. Operation Sagar Bandhu.”
Cyclone Ditwah: Severe Devastation Across Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is facing extreme weather marked by relentless rainfall, flash floods and landslides, with 153 deaths and at least 191 missing, according to Daily Mirror, citing the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).
Authorities have urged the public to avoid unstable bridges, damaged roads and landslide-prone areas, warning that crowding near dangerous sites increases casualties.
The Road Development Authority has begun emergency repairs, while the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has opened a Disaster Management Coordination Centre to support medical relief, along with a dedicated 24-hour hotline.
For More Info Stay Tuned: https://skylinktimes.in
