Colombo | Dec 1,2025 | SKY LINK TIMES
Operation Sagar Bandhu:
In a major humanitarian support mission under Operation Sagar Bandhu, the Indian Naval Ship INS Sukanya carrying emergency relief materials arrived at the port of Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, on Monday. The initiative is part of India’s coordinated assistance effort following the devastating impact of Cyclone Ditwah, which triggered massive floods and landslides across the island nation.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar confirmed the ship’s arrival through a post on X, stating, “INS Sukanya enters Trincomalee with relief materials.”
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India Extends Emergency Relief Support
Operation Sagar Bandhu has mobilized extensive Indian military and humanitarian assets to assist Sri Lanka at a critical time. Rescue personnel are coordinating with the Sri Lanka Air Force, Navy, Army, Police, and local responders to support evacuation missions, distribute essential supplies, and provide medical assistance.
Earlier, the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka announced the arrival of a C-130J aircraft carrying over 4 tonnes of BHISHM Modular Trauma Cubes — mobile medical units designed for rapid deployment in disaster zones.
> The High Commission stated that the BHISHM trauma cubes are equipped with diagnostic tools and surgical kits and are built to function in extreme emergency conditions.
In addition, Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force have evacuated 34 people, including children, from Kotmale to Colombo and have been distributing medical aid and food packages to remote affected areas.
Sri Lanka’s Humanitarian Situation Worsens
According to Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre (DMC), the death toll from the ongoing extreme weather has risen to 355, while 366 people remain missing. More than 1.1 million people from 309,607 families have been affected by intense rainfall, rising floodwaters, and recurring landslides.
Communication difficulties in several severely impacted regions continue to hinder search and rescue operations. To improve coordination, the President’s Media Division announced that major telecom operators have agreed to prioritize emergency calls to ease network congestion.
Also Read:https://skylinktimes.in/cyclone-ditwah-disrupts-life-halts-rail-services/
India-Sri Lanka Cooperation Strengthened
Operation Sagar Bandhu reflects India’s commitment to regional solidarity and disaster response. The humanitarian assistance initiative follows similar past operations such as SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) missions, which support maritime neighbours in times of natural calamity.
The deployment of INS Sukanya reinforces the longstanding partnership between India and Sri Lanka, which has expanded significantly across defence, security, and humanitarian sectors.
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