Colombo, Dec 02: Former Sri Lanka cricket captain Angelo Mathews has expressed heartfelt gratitude to India for extending timely support as the island nation battles heavy flooding and destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah. Mathews said India’s assistance under Operation Sagar Bandhu has brought relief to thousands of affected families.
“We are deeply thankful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India for standing with Sri Lanka during this crisis. The relief teams and supplies have made a real difference on the ground,” Mathews said in a statement issued in Colombo.
India has dispatched humanitarian aid including food, medicines, and emergency equipment, coordinated by the Ministry of External Affairs under Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. The Indian Navy has deployed ships to Colombo and Trincomalee carrying relief consignments, while the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has joined local authorities in rescue operations.
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake welcomed India’s support, noting that the assistance reflects the strong bonds of friendship between the two nations. “We appreciate India’s swift response and solidarity at this difficult time,” he said.
Mathews, who has been actively involved in community relief efforts in Colombo suburbs, visited flood-hit families in Kelaniya and Gampaha districts alongside volunteers. He said the devastation has been immense but international support, especially from India, has given hope to affected communities.
Other Sri Lankan cricketers, including Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, also joined Mathews in acknowledging India’s humanitarian outreach, calling it a gesture that strengthens people-to-people ties beyond cricket.
The flooding triggered by Cyclone Ditwah has displaced thousands across Sri Lanka, with rescue and rehabilitation efforts continuing under joint coordination of Sri Lankan authorities and international partners.
