Navy delivers Bailey bridges to support Sri Lanka’s post-cyclone reconstruction

Indian Naval Ship Gharial arrived in Colombo on Thursday carrying 10 Bailey bridges to support Sri Lankarsquos postcyclone reconstruction efforts following Cyclone DitwahThe modular Bailey bridges will play a critical role in the rapid restoration of damaged road connectivity facilitating civilian movement and enabling the smooth conduct of relief and rehabilitation operations in affected areasThe humanitarian assistance and disaster relief HADR mission is part of Indiarsquos USD 450 million Special Economic Package announced by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and builds on the ongoing regional cooperation framework under Operation Sagar BandhuThe deployment underscores the Indian Navyrsquos role as a first responder and a trusted partner in the Indian Ocean Region reaffirming Indiarsquos commitment to supporting its maritime neighbours in times of needIndia Sri Lanka linked by deep civilisational spiritual bonds PM Modi on Buddha relics expositionPrime Minister PM Narendra Modi on Thursday said India and Sri Lanka share deep civilisational and spiritual bonds as he thanked Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for inaugurating the exposition of the holy Devnimori relics of Lord Buddha in ColomboThe firstever international exposition of these sacred relics originating from the Devnimori archaeological site in Gujaratrsquos Aravalli district is being held at Gangaramaya Temple from February 4 to 11The event was inaugurated on Wednesday by President Dissanayake along with Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi in the presence of Chief Incumbent Ven Kirinde Assaji TheroPresident Dissanayake posted on X on February 4 ldquoRespectfully welcome the Sacred Relics of the Buddha to Sri Lanka today for public veneration until the 11th at Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple I deeply appreciate PM narendramodi and the Government of India for honouring their promise and enabling this sacred expositionrdquoHe also shared photographs of the relics which will be open for public viewing from February 5Sharing his post on X Prime Minister Modi wrote ldquoGratitude to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for inaugurating the Exposition of the Holy Devnimori Relics at the sacred Gangaramaya Temple in ColombordquoDuring my visit in April 2025 it was decided these relics will come to Sri Lanka thus giving the opportunity for the people to pay their respects Our nations are connected by deep civilisational and spiritual bonds May Lord Buddhas timeless message of compassion peace and harmony continue to guide humanity anuradisanayake he saidWith PTI inputs