The United States has deployed airlift and logistics support to assist Sri Lanka in responding to the devastating Cyclone Ditwah. Two C-130J Super Hercules aircraft and Airmen from the U.S. Air Force 36th Contingency Response Group (CRG) arrived today at Katunayake Air Base to deliver critical relief supplies to affected communities.

U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung and Deputy Minister of Defense Major General KP Aruna Jayasekara (Retd.) welcomed the team, while other officials, including Minister of Science and Technology Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena, Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku, and Major General Sampath Kotuwegoda, Director General of the Disaster Management Center, were also present.

Ambassador Chung said, “Sri Lanka’s responders are doing heroic work. The United States is here to take on some heavy lifting—bringing airlift and logistics muscle to push critical supplies into the hardest-hit areas so Sri Lanka’s frontline teams can stay focused on people, not transportation.”

The U.S. Air Force 36th CRG, based in Guam, along with supporting units from the 374th Airlift Wing (Japan) and the U.S. Marine Corps’ III Marine Expeditionary Force (Okinawa, Japan), will coordinate with the Sri Lankan Armed Forces to transport emergency supplies, including temporary shelters, food, water, sanitation, and hygiene materials, from Katunayake Air Base to affected regions.

Matthew House, U.S. Embassy Senior Defense Official and Defense Attaché, added, “When roads are strained and time is short, logistics becomes the lifeline. America is here with airlift capacity and coordination to keep that lifeline moving. The C-130J Super Hercules is built to move essential cargo rapidly and reliably when access is limited.”

In addition to the airlift support, the U.S. has provided the Sri Lanka Air Force with $2.1 million worth of logistics-enabling equipment, including fuel trucks, forklifts, floodlights, ground power units, and cargo-loading platforms, enhancing the SLAF’s ability to rapidly move relief supplies.

The U.S. also pledged $2 million to support immediate disaster response, focusing on emergency shelter, water, sanitation, hygiene, and health services. These efforts reflect the long-standing partnership and goodwill between the two countries, ensuring Sri Lanka receives timely assistance in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah.