Tamil Nadu Dispatches 950 Tonnes of Humanitarian Aid to Cyclone Ditwah-Devastated Sri Lanka

These essential materials were carefully selected to address critical daily necessities of affected families in Sri Lanka.

Chennai:

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin on Saturday officially dispatched a substantial humanitarian aid package to Sri Lanka, which is currently suffering from the devastating effects of Cyclone Ditwah.

Two Indian Navy vessels departed from Chennai and Thoothukudi ports carrying 950 tonnes of crucial relief supplies, representing one of the largest single humanitarian assistance shipments ever sent by the State to an international disaster area.

Cyclone Ditwah has caused extensive destruction across Sri Lanka, resulting in hundreds of fatalities, displacing thousands of residents, and causing widespread damage to homes, critical infrastructure, and economic livelihoods.

Responding to the magnitude of the humanitarian emergency, Tamil Nadu's government rapidly mobilized relief efforts through various departments, working in close coordination with the Indian Navy to ensure prompt delivery of aid.

At Chennai port, Chief Minister Stalin inaugurated the departure of a naval vessel loaded with 300 tonnes of sugar, 300 tonnes of pulse, 25 tonnes of milk powder, 5,000 dhotis, 5,000 sarees, 10,000 towels, 10,000 blankets, and 1,000 tarpaulins.

Officials explained that these supplies were specifically chosen to meet the immediate daily requirements of affected families, particularly those currently residing in temporary shelters.

Concurrently, at Thoothukudi port, another Navy ship was launched carrying 150 tonnes of sugar and 150 tonnes of dal, complementing the initial shipment and further enhancing Tamil Nadu's humanitarian support to the neighboring island nation.

In a meaningful demonstration of solidarity with Sri Lanka's people, the Chief Minister presented a sample relief kit to Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, who expressed deep appreciation for Tamil Nadu's rapid and substantial assistance.

Senior officials and dignitaries attended ceremonies at both ports, highlighting the significance and scale of the relief operation.

Ministers P.K. Sekarbabu and S.M. Nasar, Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam, and Rear Admiral Satish Shenai, Flag Officer Commanding, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Naval Area, were present during the Chennai ceremony.

In Thoothukudi, Ministers P. Geetha Jeevan and Anitha R. Radhakrishnan, together with Lok Sabha MP Kanimozhi, supervised the dispatch proceedings.

The Tamil Nadu government emphasized that this humanitarian effort exemplifies the enduring relationship between India and Sri Lanka, while reinforcing the commitment to provide timely humanitarian assistance during crises.

With these vessels now underway, Tamil Nadu hopes to facilitate faster relief distribution in Sri Lanka as the country continues extensive recovery and rehabilitation efforts following the catastrophic impact of Cyclone Ditwah.