As stated in the India-Sri Lanka joint press release of 26th October 2008, India, as a goodwill gesture, decided to send humanitarian assistance to civilians and internally displaced persons affected by the conflict in the northern part of Sri Lanka. The first consignment of approximately 1700 tonnes comprising 80,000 ready-to-use family packs containing food, clothing and personal hygiene items arrived in Sri Lanka within three weeks and has already been distributed to those in need with the assistance of the ICRC and the co-operation of the Government of Sri Lanka.

India will continue to work with Sri Lanka in meeting the humanitarian needs of the civilian population in Northern Sri Lanka. India has decided on a second installment of such assistance amounting to approximately, SLR 40 million. Accordingly, a consignment of medicines was handed over by the Foreign Secretary Shri Shivshankar Menon to Senior Presidential Advisor and MP Hon. Mr. Basil Rajapaksa at a simple ceremony today.