As part of ongoing reconstruction efforts following Cyclone Ditwah, India has dispatched a consignment of 10 Bailey Bridges to Sri Lanka to assist in restoring critical connectivity infrastructure in affected areas.
The shipment arrived in Colombo from Visakhapatnam onboard INS Gharial, and was formally handed over by the Acting High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Dr. Satyanjal Pandey, to Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku at a ceremony held on February 5.
The additional Bailey Bridges have been provided under India’s USD 5 million grant assistance for post-Cyclone Ditwah reconstruction, aimed at strengthening transport links and access in disaster-affected regions. Another shipment carrying the remaining bridge components is expected to arrive shortly.
The supply of Bailey Bridges forms part of the USD 450 million Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Packageannounced by India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar during his visit to Sri Lanka following the cyclone.
The newly supplied bridges will be installed at selected locations across the country, with technical assessments currently being conducted by Indian Army engineers in close coordination with the Sri Lankan Army and the Road Development Authority (RDA).
India had previously supplied four Bailey Bridges to Sri Lanka, two of which were installed in the Kilinochchi Districtand two along the Kandy–Ragala Road. These bridges have played a vital role in restoring connectivity in difficult terrain, improving access for communities and supporting the resumption of essential services, livelihoods and economic activity.
India has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s recovery, resilience and long-term connectivity through timely, targeted and people-centric assistance.
