High Commission of India
Colombo

PRESS RELEASE

Supply of 10 Additional Bailey Bridges to Sri Lanka

A consignment of 10 Bailey Bridges arrived in Colombo from Visakhapatnam on board INS Gharial. It was formally handed over at a ceremony held on 05 February 2026 by the Acting High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Dr. Satyanjal Pandey, to Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Hon. Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku.

2. These 10 additional Bailey Bridges are supplied as part of India’s grant assistance of USD 5 million for post-Cyclone Ditwah reconstruction, further strengthening critical connectivity infrastructure in affected areas. This consignment will be followed shortly by another carrying the remaining components. The supply of Bailey Bridges forms part of the comprehensive Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Package of USD 450 million announced by India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, during his visit to Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah.
   
   
3. The newly supplied Bailey Bridges will be installed at various locations across the country. The technical assessments for the installation are being undertaken by Indian Army engineers in close coordination with the Sri Lankan Army and the Road Development Authority (RDA).
   
   
4. It may be recalled that India had earlier supplied four Bailey Bridges to Sri Lanka, of which two were installed in the Kilinochchi District and two on the Kandy–Ragala Road. These bridges have played a crucial role in restoring connectivity, particularly in difficult and hilly terrain, significantly improving access for local communities and enabling the resumption of essential services, livelihoods, and economic activity.
   
   
5. India remains firmly committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s recovery, resilience, and long-term connectivity through timely, targeted, and people-centric assistance.

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Colombo
05 February 2026