India’s INS Sukanya arrives in Trincomalee with more relief materials

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, announced that the Indian Navy ship INS Sukanya has arrived in Trincomalee carrying additional humanitarian aid for Sri Lanka.

On behalf of the Government of India, the Indian Navy ships INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri, which were on a visit to Sri Lanka, officially handed over flood relief materials to the island nation in Colombo on 28 November.

As Sri Lanka reels from severe flooding and landslides triggered by Cyclone Ditwah, India has intensified its humanitarian response under Operation Sagar Bandhu. On Monday, the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sukanya arrived at Trincomalee port carrying essential relief supplies.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar confirmed the development on X, noting the vessel’s arrival with much-needed aid for affected communities.

Operation Sagar Bandhu has been launched to support Sri Lanka’s nationwide relief efforts, with Indian teams working closely alongside the Sri Lankan Air Force, Navy, Army, Police, and local emergency responders. Joint evacuation operations, supply transport, and emergency assistance are ongoing across multiple districts.

Earlier, the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka announced the arrival of a C-130J aircraft transporting over 4 tonnes of BHISHM Modular Trauma Cubes — compact mobile medical units equipped for rapid disaster-zone deployment.

Additionally, Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopters evacuated 34 people, including children, from Kotmale to Colombo while also delivering food and medical supplies to isolated communities.

--With Agencies Inputs