The Government of Sri Lanka requested for assistance from the Government of India on May 26, particularly, for rescue boats. On the instructions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, three ships (INS Kirch, INS Shardul and INS Jalashwa) were deployed promptly, for immediate rescue and relief operations. The Indian Prime Minister also conveyed his deep condolences to the Government and the people of Sri Lanka.
The first of the three ships, INS Kirch, was in Colombo on May 27. Working with the Sri Lankan Navy, she deployed her diving and medical teams to affected areas, and immediate relief material was also given.
The second ship INS Shardul, with relief material arrived on May 28, and additional diving and medical teams were pressed into action in consultation with the Sri Lankan Navy.
The largest of the three, and a specialized disaster relief ship, INS Jalashwa, arrived on May 30, with more relief material, as well as diving and medical teams.
The Indian teams along with their Sri Lankan counterparts, were able to provide assistance to the needy in many affected areas, such as, Kalutara, Ratnapura, Matale and Galle.
“Our teams worked in close coordination with the Sri Lankan Navy and the Disaster Management Ministry”, an Indian High Commission official said.
Overall, the Government of India deployed 9 diving teams with inflatable boats at various places, for five days. Further, 6 medical teams were deployed with SL Navy which treated close to 1,000 people. Medicines to cater to more than 3,000 people were also supplied.
In addition to the rescue effort, the Government of India provided a large amount of immediate relief material, on the lines projected by the Sri Lankan Government. This included around 7 tons of dry rations(rice/atta/flour/dal/sugar/biscuits), 10,500 litres of water and 1,300 litres of packeted milk and non-food items including, 50 tents, 2,000 bed sheets, 1,630 blankets, 1,500 durries, 550 raincoats, 330 tarpaulin sheets, 300 mosquito nets, 5,000 candles, as well as towels, gumboots, shoes/slippers, soap and disinfectant liquid and matches.
The Government of India also provided updated satellite weather forecast and coordinated with the Lankan authorities. In addition, specialized compact disaster management teams were kept ready, to be airlifted at short notice, if requested by the Government. However, no such request was received.
In addition to the support by GOI, Indian Companies in Sri Lanka are also contributing to the relief efforts. Lanka IOC already made a donation of SLR 5 million. Members of the Indian CEO Forum are also making contributions. Another Indian Company Kirloskar has offered to provide two large water pumps (flood control units).
“Our primary focus was on rescue efforts. In this regard, we brought three ships with over 700 personnel and worked in close coordination with the Sri Lankan Navy and other authorities, assisting with flood relief material for five days”, the official said.
All the teams left Colombo on June 1. Foreign Minister Ravi Karunanayake was at the Colombo Port to see them off.
