High Commission of India

Colombo

Press Release

 

Third Indian Ship arrives in Sri Lanka to assist in flood relief efforts

A third Indian Naval Ship, INS Jalashwa, arrived at Colombo Port on 30 May 2017 from Vishakapatnam, as part of India’s ongoing assistance for flood relief in Sri Lanka. This is the largest of the three Indian ships sent to Sri Lanka. It has specialized equipment, including landing platform / dock, disembarkation crafts, helicopters, and a fully equipped medical hospital with operation theaters and laboratories. With around 400 personnel on board, the ship has on board multiple rescue and diving teams, along with inflatable boats and medical supplies. It has also brought additional relief material.

High Commissioner of India Mr. Taranjit Singh Sandhu handed over Indian assistance from the ship to Mr. P.B. Abeykoon, Secretary to President, and Vice Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne, Commander of Sri Lanka Navy. Later in the day, Hon. Ravi Karunanayake, Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka, along with the High Commissioner, flagged off the deployment of Indian Navy teams to various locations across Sri Lanka particularly in Akussera and Deniyaya in Matara District and Divitura in Galle District. These teams will work with the Sri Lanka Navy in undertaking rescue and relief operations.

In his comments, High Commissioner reiterated India’s unwavering commitment and support to Sri Lanka in the relief operations. He conveyed that as requested by the Government of Sri Lanka, India has focused on rescue operations by providing specialized diving and medical teams as well as essential relief items. He also mentioned that Specialized Disaster Management compact teams are ready to assist in case of requirement. The Sri Lankan dignitaries thanked the Government of India for its continued support.

Meanwhile, the rescue and medical teams from INS Shardul, which reached Colombo on May 28, continued to provide assistance at Kaluthara and Ratnapura. Joint medical camps with Sri Lankan Navy personnel were organized in different places, including Nagoda Hospital in Kaluthara.

Indian Air Force aircraft will also deliver essential spare parts for Sri Lanka Air Force helicopters today evening.

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May 30, 2017

Colombo