$450 Million Indian Aid Package Not to Be Managed by Joint Committee

31-Dec-2025

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India has proposed a USD 450 million assistance package to support Sri Lanka’s rapid recovery following Cyclone Ditwah. 

However, no decision has been taken to manage this fund through a Sri Lanka–India joint committee, and no such request has been made by India, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said.

He was responding to media queries at the weekly Cabinet media briefing on 30 Dec regarding reports claiming that the aid would be managed by a joint committee.

Clarifying further, the Minister said the package consists of USD 350 million in concessional loans and USD 100 million in grants. No discussions have been held on utilising these funds under joint supervision.

All assistance will be utilised through the Sri Lankan Government and relevant ministries, across sectors such as roads, education and health, based on requirements. Consultations with ministry secretaries are ongoing.

The implementation of recovery programmes remains solely under the Sri Lankan Government. India has made no request to manage the funds. The assistance is aimed purely at Sri Lanka’s rapid recovery, he said.