India has handed over a third consignment of Bailey bridges to Sri Lanka to aid the reconstruction of rural roads devastated by Cyclone Ditwah.
According to the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka, the latest delivery, weighing over 250 metric tonnes, was handed over by Deputy High Commissioner Maitrey K to Deputy Minister of Co‑operative Development Upali Samarasinghe.
“This next set of Bailey Bridges, weighing over 250 MT, was handed over… Bridges that reconnect communities and rebuild lives,” the High Commission posted on X, adding that Indian Army engineers will install the modular bridges across the island to restore vital connectivity.
The consignment includes five modular Bailey bridges valued at more than $5 million. It follows two earlier deliveries under India’s $450 million post‑disaster reconstruction package announced in December 2025 during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s visit. The package comprises $350 million in concessional Lines of Credit and $100 million in grants.
Cyclone Ditwah struck Sri Lanka in November 2025, causing floods and landslides that killed over 640 people, left 173 missing, and inflicted massive damage on infrastructure. The Road Development Authority reported losses of nearly SLR 75 billion due to destroyed roads and bridges.
India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu on November 28 to provide relief and recovery assistance, underscoring its commitment to regional solidarity and resilience.
