India sends 27 tonnes of aid, NDRF team to Sri Lanka

India upped its relief efforts in Sri Lanka, which is reeling under the aftermath of Cyclone ‘Ditwah’, and sent an additional 21 tonnes of supplies and a team of rescuers from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) on Saturday.

Also, the Indian Navy warships, INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri, which were in Sri Lanka for the International fleet review, deployed their onboard helicopters in rescue and relief operations in main land Sri Lanka. The Indian Air Force said two of its planes – a C-130 and an IL-76 – took off from Hindan Air Base near Delhi last night. These planes lifted 21 tonnes of relief material, along with over 80 NDRF personnel and 8 tonnes of equipment to Colombo, the IAF said.

Meanwhile, acting High Commissioner Satyanjal Pandey met stranded Indian passengers at Bandaranaike International Airport on Saturday, assuring them of all possible assistance. He said the government would facilitate their swift return home.