As part of Operation Sagar Bandhu, the Indian Army is continuing its humanitarian assistance in Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah, providing critical engineering support and high-quality medical care in close coordination with the Sri Lankan Army and civil administration.
The Engineer Task Force (ETF) of the Indian Army has begun retrieval and de-launching operations of the damaged Puliyampokkanai Bridge at Jaffna. The Indian Army is supporting Sri Lanka’s Road Development Authority (RDA) by deploying a wheeled excavator to de-launch the bridge panels.
Officials said the task is progressing steadily and is likely to be completed by Wednesday, with the launch of the first Bailey bridge planned for the afternoon of December 13.
To facilitate the construction of a 120-ft dual carriageway at Jaffna, around 70 per cent of the required materials have already been shifted from the RDA Store Yard, while the remaining supplies are expected to arrive by Wednesday evening.
At Chilaw, the RDA is expected to begin pier construction within the next 48 hours. One complete Bailey bridge set has already arrived at the site, further strengthening the restoration effort. Meanwhile, the loading of the fourth Bailey bridge set is currently underway at Pathankot.
Showcasing the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the Indian Army’s focus on modernisation and technology, the Engineer Task Force has deployed indigenous drones, SONAR-based Laser Range Finders (LRFs), Remotely Operated Combat Cruiser Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), and other next-generation equipment for detailed reconnaissance of bridge sites at both Jaffna and Chilaw, significantly speeding up operational timelines.
The PARA Field Hospital continues to provide extensive humanitarian medical support, having treated 3,338 patients so far. On Monday alone, the facility attended to 1,128 patients, performed 73 minor procedures, and carried out four surgeries.
The hospital has received strong positive feedback from local communities, and a visit by the Sri Lankan President is expected shortly.
“Through coordinated engineering efforts, high-impact medical interventions, and deployment of advanced indigenous technology, the Indian Army reaffirms its commitment to Neighbourhood First, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, and humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka during this critical hour,” the force said.
(IANS)
