61 killed, 21 missing as cyclone wreaks havoc across Sri Lanka

At least 61 people were killed while 21 were missing after floods and landslides triggered by Cyclone Ditwah tore across Sri Lanka, the authorities said on Friday, as thousands were displaced and entire districts were cut off by raging waters and mudslides.

The heaviest damage was reported in the central, tea-growing highlands — notably Badulla and Nuwara Eliya — where landslides buried homes and snapped roads and rail links, hampering rescue teams. The authorities have closed government offices and schools and deployed the military to bolster search-and-rescue operations.

The Indian Government reacted immediately, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing his condolences to the people of Sri Lanka. “My heartfelt condolences to the people of Sri Lanka who have lost their loved ones due to Cyclone Ditwah. I pray for the safety, comfort and swift recovery of all affected families,” the PM said.

He said India had urgently dispatched relief materials and vital HADR support under Operation Sagar Bandhu in solidarity with “the country’s closest maritime neighbour”.

“We stand ready to provide more aid and assistance as the situation evolves. Guided by India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision Mahasagar, India continues to stand firmly with Sri Lanka in its hour of need,” Modi said.

According to media reports, Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre said tens of thousands had been affected, with hundreds of houses damaged and many communities isolated by flash floods and overflowing reservoirs.

INS Vikrant on maiden overseas deployment

India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, is on its maiden overseas deployment to Sri Lanka.

The warship, along with the indigenous stealth frigate INS Udaygiri, is representing the Indian Navy at the International Fleet Review 2025 being hosted by the Sri Lankan Navy in Colombo from Nov 27-29.

India has provided 4.5 tonnes of dry rations and 2 tonnes of fresh rations to the country.