Jaishankar, visiting Sri Lanka as a special envoy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, made these comments alongside Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath.
He stated, “As Sri Lanka was beginning to recover from the economic crisis of 2022, this natural disaster has introduced new challenges,” during his two-day trip to the island nation.
“Prime Minister Modi has instructed us to collaborate with the Sri Lankan government to address their immediate needs. In this context, the assistance package we are proposing totals $450 million,” Jaishankar remarked.
“The package will encompass $350 million in concessional lines of credit and $100 million in grants,” he added.
“This package is currently being finalized in close coordination with the Sri Lankan government. Our support will focus on the sectors most impacted by the cyclone, which include, firstly, the rehabilitation and restoration of road, railway, and bridge connectivity.”
“Secondly, we will assist in the construction of houses that were completely destroyed or partially damaged. Thirdly, we aim to support health and education systems that have suffered due to the cyclone. Fourthly, we will address agricultural needs, particularly concerning potential shortages in the short and medium term. Finally, we will work towards enhancing disaster response and preparedness capabilities.”
