Colombo’s recovery from the ferocious Cyclone Ditwah remains a monumental task, but India’s unwavering support through Operation Sagarbahu is lighting the path forward. Launched immediately after the storm’s landfall last November, this humanitarian mission has seen the Indian Army’s Engineer Task Force tirelessly restoring critical infrastructure across the island nation.
At the heart of these efforts is Bridge B-492, a vital link connecting Kandy in Sri Lanka’s Central Province to Badulla in the Uva Province. Severely damaged by the cyclone’s wrath, which unleashed floods, landslides, and widespread destruction, the bridge has been brought back to life through the construction of Bailey bridges at key points spanning 15 and 21 kilometers. These rapid interventions have reconnected isolated communities, slashed travel times, and fortified the deep bonds between India and Sri Lanka.
A heartfelt video shared on social media platform X captures the gratitude of locals. A schoolgirl from the area, her voice brimming with emotion, thanks the Indian soldiers: ‘We are truly grateful for the service you’ve provided, especially coming all the way from India. The damaged bridge left us with no way to cross; thank you for coming and fixing it for us.’
Operation Sagarbahu kicked off as a first-responder initiative, with Indian Navy ships INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri already in Sri Lankan waters for the International Fleet Review 2025 during the Sri Lankan Navy’s 75th anniversary. Repurposed for disaster relief, these vessels delivered urgent Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) support amid the chaos of floods and infrastructure collapse that overwhelmed local response systems.
Beyond bridges, the Indian Army established a field hospital near Mahiyanganaya in Kandy district, providing trauma care, surgeries, and general medical services to 1,000-1,200 patients daily. This comprehensive aid underscores India’s commitment to its neighbor, turning crisis into a story of resilience and friendship. As repairs continue, the operation exemplifies proactive regional solidarity in the face of nature’s fury.