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Sri Lanka Honours Indian Navy for Swift Relief After Cyclone Ditwah

January 02, 2026

Sri Lanka Acknowledges India’s Humanitarian Support

Sri Lanka has formally recognised India’s rapid and large-scale humanitarian response following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah , one of the country’s deadliest climate disasters in recent years. The acknowledgement underscores strong regional cooperation and India’s role as a first responder in the Indian Ocean region during emergencies.

Recognition by Sri Lanka Navy

The Sri Lanka Navy honoured eight foreign naval vessels that provided immediate post-cyclone assistance, including two Indian Navy ships . Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya personally conveyed appreciation to the diplomatic representatives of assisting nations. Cyclone Ditwah, which struck in late November, caused extensive flooding, landslides and infrastructure damage, overwhelming domestic disaster-response capacities.

Indian Naval Response and Assets Deployed

Indian Navy ships INS Vikrant and INS Udayagiri were among the earliest responders. Both vessels were already present in Sri Lankan waters for the International Fleet Review 2025 , commemorating the Sri Lanka Navy’s 75th anniversary. Following the cyclone’s landfall on November 27 , the ships were immediately redeployed for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

Operation Sagar Bandhu and Scale of Relief

India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu on the very day the cyclone struck. Under the mission, more than 1,100 tonnes of relief material were delivered, including food supplies, tents, tarpaulins, clothing, hygiene kits and water purification equipment. Additionally, 14.5 tonnes of medicines and medical equipment and around 60 tonnes of logistical supplies were provided. Helicopters operating from INS Vikrant enabled aerial rescues and rapid supply drops to cut-off regions.

Important Facts for Exams

  • Operation Sagar Bandhu was India’s HADR mission after Cyclone Ditwah

  • INS Vikrant is India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier

  • HADR is a core role of modern navies

  • India–Sri Lanka cooperation includes maritime security and disaster relief

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