India has handed over a fresh consignment of Bailey bridges weighing more than 250 metric tons to Sri Lanka. The official ceremony saw India’s Deputy High Commissioner Maitrey K transfer the infrastructure materials to Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Co-operative Development, Upali Samarasinghe.

The High Commission of India in Sri Lanka shared the development on X, noting that the bridges form part of India’s USD 450 million reconstruction package.

The consignment will be installed across Sri Lanka by Indian Army engineers. These Bailey bridges are intended to restore connectivity and support infrastructure development, particularly in areas where transport bottlenecks have hindered access. Their installation will directly benefit isolated communities, ensuring swift infrastructure restoration and reinforcing socio-economic resilience.

The supply of bridges is a crucial component of India’s expansive reconstruction package, which was announced in the aftermath of Cyclone Dithwah. The initiative reflects India’s dual focus on immediate recovery and long-term development, strengthening regional connectivity and supporting Sri Lanka’s rebuilding efforts.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri concluded his official visit to Colombo just a day before the handover. His trip marked his first standalone visit to Sri Lanka as Foreign Secretary, following earlier visits as part of delegations led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April 2025 and Vice President C P Radhakrishnan in April 2026. During his engagements, Misri reiterated India’s commitment to Sri Lanka under the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Vision MAHASAGAR.

In Colombo, Misri met President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath. He also held talks with Sri Lanka’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Aruni Ranaraja, met Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa, and separately engaged with representatives of both the Sri Lankan Tamil and Indian Origin Tamil communities.

The bilateral discussions reviewed existing cooperation, ongoing projects, and mutual initiatives. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress of multiple ventures, including the USD 450 million reconstruction assistance. A key highlight of the visit was the exchange of two INR-denominated Line of Credit agreements. These included USD 250 million dedicated to railway initiatives and USD 100 million for livestock and priority sectors. The agreements were exchanged in the presence of President Dissanayaka by the High Commissioner of India and Sri Lanka’s Treasury Secretary.

India’s handover of Bailey bridges, alongside the broader reconstruction package and financial agreements, underscores the deepening strategic and developmental partnership between New Delhi and Colombo. It reflects a comprehensive approach to rebuilding critical infrastructure, enhancing connectivity, and fostering long-term resilience in Sri Lanka.

ANI