Archive · 9 Aug 2026
India hands third Bailey bridge consignment to cyclone-hit Sri Lanka
A big storm called Cyclone Ditwah hit Sri Lanka in November, and it was one of the worst disasters the country has ever had.
The storm caused floods and landslides that damaged many roads and bridges.
Many people were hurt, and more than 640 lost their lives.
Sri Lanka's neighbor India decided to help fix the damage.
India promised a package worth 450 million dollars to help rebuild.
India is sending special bridges called Bailey bridges that can be put up quickly to reconnect broken roads.
In August, India handed over the third group of these bridges, weighing more than 250 tonnes.
Indian Army engineers will install the bridges across the island.
The new bridges will help families and towns that were cut off after the storm get back in touch with the rest of the country.
It is a big job, but the help shows how countries can support each other after a disaster.
India handed over a third consignment of Bailey bridges, weighing over 250 metric tonnes, to Sri Lanka on August 8, 2026.
The consignment includes five modular Bailey bridges valued at over USD 5 million, which Indian Army engineers will install across the island.
The delivery is part of India's $450 million post-disaster reconstruction package announced on December 23, 2025, during S. Jaishankar's visit to Sri Lanka.
Cyclone Ditwah struck Sri Lanka in November, killing more than 640 people and leaving 173 missing amid floods and landslides.
Sri Lanka's Road Development Authority lost nearly SLR 75 billion due to roads and bridges destroyed by the cyclone.
- Who
- India and Sri Lanka — including India's Deputy High Commissioner (@Maitrey_K) and Sri Lanka's Deputy Minister of Co-operative Development, Hon. Upali Samarasinghe.
- What
- India handed over a third consignment of Bailey bridges (over 250 metric tonnes, five bridges, valued at over USD 5 million) to rebuild roads damaged by Cyclone Ditwah.
- When
- August 8, 2026; the aid package was announced on December 23, 2025, and Cyclone Ditwah struck in November 2025.
- Where
- Sri Lanka — the handover was done through India's High Commission in Sri Lanka, with bridges to be installed across the island.
- Why
- To support reconstruction of rural roads severely damaged by Cyclone Ditwah and restore vital connectivity.
- Consignment
- Third batch of Bailey bridges, weighing over 250 metric tonnes
- Bridges included
- 5 modular Bailey bridges valued at over USD 5 million
- Total aid package
- $450 million ($350 million in concessional Lines of Credit, $100 million in grants)
- Package announced
- December 23, 2025, during EAM S. Jaishankar's visit to Sri Lanka
- Cyclone impact
- Over 640 killed, 173 missing in November floods and landslides
- Road damage losses
- Nearly SLR 75 billion (Road Development Authority)
- Relief operation
- 'Operation Sagar Bandhu' launched by India on November 28
- Installing agency
- Indian Army engineers across the island