450 million dollars from India to compensate for the damage caused by Cyclone Ditwa.

Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar stated that India is ready to provide a loan of 450 million US dollars for the reconstruction of areas in Sri Lanka affected by the "Ditwa" cyclone.

The Ministry further stated that this aid package includes a concessional loan of 350 million US dollars and a grant of 100 million US dollars.

The Minister stated that during a discussion held this morning with President Ranil Wickremesinghe, he discussed in detail the damage caused to Sri Lanka by the "Ditwa" cyclone. He further stated that Minister Jaishankar, who also spoke about the letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said, "India has committed a reconstruction package of 450 million US dollars for Sri Lanka, taking on the burden of the first responder." The Minister further stated, "We have also discussed the practical modalities of this commitment."

Minister Jaishankar noted that it is natural for India to come forward as Sri Lanka's closest neighbor in such a difficult situation (especially during an economic crisis). This statement was made during a joint press conference held with Foreign Minister Vijith Herath in Colombo.