Second Indian Ship arrives to assist in flood relief efforts

As part of India's continued commitment to assist in flood relief efforts in Sri Lanka in response to a request from the Government of Sri Lanka, INS Shardul arrived at Colombo Port yesterday, the Indian High Commission said.

It has nearly 200 personnel on board, including specialized rescue, diving and medical teams, as well as a large amount of relief material and Gemini inflatable boats. This was the second Indian Naval ship to reach Colombo to provide assistance, after INS Kirch reached Colombo on May 27.
 
High Commissioner of India Taranjit Sandhu, while handing over the supplies to Ravi Karunanayake, Foreign Minister and Dunesh Gankanda, Acting Minister of Disaster Management, reiterated India’s steadfast commitment to extend all possible assistance to Sri Lanka.

Foreign Minister Karunanayake thanked the Indian Government for providing assistance within hours of a request being made. Both Ministers also took a tour of the ship, and were briefed about the advanced equipment and facilities on board for disaster relief. 
 
The 40 tons of relief material on board INS Shardul were as per the requirement conveyed by Sri Lankan authorities, such as rice, atta (flour), dal, sugar, bed sheets, blankets, durries, rain coats, milk, biscuits, etc. The rescue, diving and medical teams on board will work in coordination with the Sri Lanka Navy and other authorities, and are now being deployed in the worst affected areas, particularly Ratnapura and Horana, as per requirements identified by the Sri Lankan side.

A third Indian Naval Ship, INS Jalashwa, with additional relief material, is expected to reach Colombo soon.