India Hands Over Bailey Bridges to Sri Lanka to Boost Connectivity and Infrastructure Development

Colombo: In a significant step toward bolstering bilateral connectivity, India on Thursday handed over a fresh consignment of Bailey bridges weighing over 250 metric tons to Sri Lanka. The handover took place during an official ceremony where India’s Deputy High Commissioner, Maitrey K, transferred the infrastructure materials to Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Co-operative Development, Upali Samarasinghe. The details were shared by the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka in a post on X. “The next set of Bailey Bridges, weighing over 250 MT, was handed over today by the Deputy High Commissioner @Maitrey_K to Hon. Upali Samarasinghe, Deputy Minister of Co-operative Development Sri Lanka. Part of India’s USD 450 million reconstruction package, these bridges will be installed across Sri Lanka by Indian Army engineers, restoring connectivity and supporting infrastructure development.” The supply of these bridges is a crucial component of India’s expansive USD 450 million reconstruction package aimed at supporting regional development and rebuilding critical infrastructure across the island nation. Once installed, the bridges will be constructed by Indian Army engineers, directly addressing transport bottlenecks and restoring vital connectivity to isolated communities. The initiative underscores ongoing strategic and developmental cooperation between New Delhi and Colombo, focusing on swift infrastructure restoration and long-term socio-economic resilience. Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Wednesday wrapped up his official visit to Colombo, during which he reiterated India’s commitment to Sri Lanka under its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The official engagement marked Misri’s first standalone visit to the island nation as Foreign Secretary, following his earlier visits as part of official delegations led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April 2025 and Vice President C P Radhakrishnan in April 2026. During his visit, the Foreign Secretary called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath. He also held bilateral talks with Sri Lanka’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Aruni Ranaraja, met Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa, and held separate meetings with representatives of both the Sri Lankan Tamil and Indian Origin Tamil (IOT) communities. Bilateral discussions centred on a comprehensive review of existing cooperation, key ongoing projects, and mutual initiatives. Both delegations expressed satisfaction with the progress of multiple developmental ventures, including the USD 450 million reconstruction assistance provided in the wake of Cyclone Dithwah. A key highlight was the exchange of two INR-denominated Line of Credit agreements: USD 250 million dedicated to railway initiatives and USD 100 million for livestock and priority sectors. The agreements were exchanged in the presence of President Dissanayaka by the High Commissioner of India and Sri Lanka’s Treasury Secretary. (ANI)