Feb 9 – The Maha Bodhi Society of India on Sunday hosted a special event dubbed “Thank You Bharat” at the historic Buddha Vihara on Mandir Marg, acknowledging India’s support to Sri Lanka in relief and rehabilitation efforts following Cyclone Ditwah.
Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India, Mahishini Colonne, told the gathering it was an honour to be at the sacred temple, which she said is closely linked to the ideals of Sri Anagarika Dharmapala and Mahatma Gandhi.
Colonne recalled that Gandhi inaugurated the Buddha Vihara in 1939, and noted that he had urged people to practise love and tolerance — values she said carry renewed significance as the two countries strengthen solidarity in times of crisis.
“Those words resonate with even greater meaning today, as we gather to express our gratitude to Bharat,” she said, pointing to the enduring ties between India and Sri Lanka rooted in shared history, culture and Buddhist heritage.
India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, also attended the event. In a post on X, Margherita said it was “heartening” to participate in the Maha Bodhi Society programme in appreciation of India’s relief and reconstruction support to Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah. He added that India’s commitment to stand by Sri Lanka is anchored in “strong civilisational and people-to-people bonds.”
As recovery continues, the Indian Army and Indian Navy last week transported 10 additional extra-wide bridges to Sri Lanka under Operation Sagarbandhu, according to the Additional Directorate General of Public Information of the Indian Army.
Cyclone Ditwah, which struck Sri Lanka late last year, triggered widespread flooding and landslides, causing major infrastructure damage and overwhelming local disaster-response capacity.
Operation Sagarbandhu, launched in November 2025, enabled India to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, including restoration of roads, bridges and other essential services. Indian officials say the operation has helped re-establish connectivity for affected communities while reinforcing bilateral cooperation and goodwill between the two neighbours.
