Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha, said that Sri Lanka has requested assistance from the Indian warship currently docked in Colombo, including the use of its aircraft, for ongoing rescue and relief operations amid the severe weather caused by Cyclonic Storm Ditwah.
A formal request was submitted to the Indian High Commission in Colombo, he said during a special media briefing. However, Thuyacontha noted that adverse weather is also affecting the Indian aircraft, and flight operations may be limited under current conditions. “Due to the prevailing adverse weather, even the Indian pilots are currently unable to operate,” he added.
In addition, India’s aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, which is currently docked in Colombo, will donate relief materials on board for the benefit of people affected by the adverse weather conditions. This follows a request from the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence. The ship is carrying substantial relief supplies, including rations, some of which will be provided to Sri Lankan authorities to support ongoing relief efforts.
The Defence Secretary also stated that a special meeting with foreign envoys based in Sri Lanka is scheduled for this evening. During the meeting, the government plans to brief diplomats on the ongoing situation and outline the support required for continued disaster response and relief operations.
