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Colombo (Sri Lanka), January 17:
The Indian Army has successfully constructed its third 120-foot-long Bailey Bridge in Sri Lanka, strengthening post-cyclone connectivity and reaffirming India’s commitment to regional support under its Neighbourhood First policy.
Bridge Reconnects Kandy and Nuwara Eliya Districts
The bridge has been built at KM 15 on the B-492 Highway in Sri Lanka’s Central Province by the Indian Army’s Engineer Task Force. It reconnects the Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts, restoring a critical route that remained cut off for more than a month after Cyclone Ditwah caused widespread damage.
Sharing the update on X, the Indian Army said the latest bridge follows the successful launch of two earlier Bailey bridges in the Jaffna and Kandy regions.
Vital Lifeline Restored After Cyclone Damage
Cyclone Ditwah struck Sri Lanka late last year, triggering severe flooding, landslides, and large-scale infrastructure damage. The destruction disrupted road connectivity and overwhelmed local disaster-response systems.
With the completion of the third Bailey bridge, road access along the B-492 Highway has been restored. This has improved access to essential services and eased daily movement for affected communities.
Operation Sagar Bandhu and Humanitarian Assistance
The bridge construction forms part of Operation Sagar Bandhu, launched in November 2025. Under the operation, India provided Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), including the restoration of roads, bridges, and essential infrastructure.
The Indian Army said these efforts have not only supported relief operations but also strengthened bilateral goodwill between India and Sri Lanka.
Neighbourhood First Policy in Action
Officials noted that the initiative reflects India’s Neighbourhood First policy, which focuses on people-centric development, regional stability, and enhanced connectivity with neighbouring countries, including Sri Lanka.
India–Sri Lanka Ties Continue to Strengthen
Earlier, Om Birla, Speaker of India’s Lok Sabha, met Jagath Wickramaratne on the sidelines of the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth held in New Delhi.
The leaders discussed closer parliamentary cooperation, technology-driven innovation, and the long-standing democratic and cultural ties between India and Sri Lanka.
The successful completion of the third Bailey bridge underscores India’s continued support for Sri Lanka’s recovery efforts and its commitment to strengthening regional partnerships.
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