New Delhi, Dec. 24 -- External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, visiting Colombo as Special Envoy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on December 23 announced that India will commit a USD 450 million reconstruction package to assist Sri Lanka in rebuilding after the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

Addressing a joint press interaction alongside Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Jaishankar said he conveyed Prime Minister Modi's message of solidarity to President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka, with whom he held detailed discussions on the scale of damage caused by the cyclone. The Indian assistance builds on New Delhi's role as a First Responder and its broader Neighbourhood First and Vision MAHASAGAR policies.

The reconstructi...